Late season deer crops

Discussion in 'Turf and Surf Hunting and Fishing' started by fortunateson, Jul 16, 2010.


  1. fortunateson

    fortunateson I hate Illinois Nazis!

    We'll be closing on some land next week (July 18th) in VA.
    As per state hunting rules, all feeders have to be removed by 9/1
    Wondering if there's anything I can plant this late in the season that will attract deer in Sept. Oct. or later

    Any ideas?
     
  2. tacmotusn

    tacmotusn RIP 1/13/21

    I was stationed out of Norfolk Va alot. Hunted some in the western part of state. Alot of people over there had numerous food plots at edge of woods or in cleared pockets in woods. Mostly winter rye. It was really a common practice, and a lot of deer were shot at those food plots.
    .
    hope this helps
     
  3. fortunateson

    fortunateson I hate Illinois Nazis!

    Thanks. Will look into it.
    The main concern is planting it now and hoping it's not too late to mature before winter.
     
  4. tacmotusn

    tacmotusn RIP 1/13/21

    I see no reason planting now wouldn't work. Winter rye is also planted as a cover crop after the normal fall harvest to put nitrogen naturally back into the soil. Come spring they just plow whatever remains into the soil.
     
  5. fortunateson

    fortunateson I hate Illinois Nazis!

    Perfect.
    Found this:

    <!--WRS 4085--> <!--

    --> Sow rye mid September through fall at 3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Winter rye seed can sprout at 33°F and is very hardy—down to minus 40°F. Makes a good nurse crop. When rye is tilled into the soil it helps reduce seed germination. Turn under in the spring before seed heads develop. 1 1/2 lbs.

    Organic Winter Rye Cover Crop

    Time to shop.
     
  6. Hispeedal2

    Hispeedal2 Nay Sayer

    Are you planting this out on your new place Fort?

    I'm not sure what he used, but I have a friend that plants a good plot on top of a hill (in TN) that seems to stay alive and healthy through the winter. I will give him a call later today and find out what it is.

    Finding the right thing to plant is important, but don't forget placement. Deer want cover and water. If you can put that plot between those two, you will stop them right in their tracks. I have seen a great plot not bring in one deer. Of course, I have also seen a single salt lick change the patterns of what seems like every animal for miles around.

    [dunno]
     
  7. fortunateson

    fortunateson I hate Illinois Nazis!

    Yes. We close this week b::

    I want to have some 'dozer work done to clear out a couple of plots. One will be near the creek. Hoping that will really draw them in.

    I'd love to find a crop that could also fill my pantry. Millet or corn maybe. This year it's too late for those, so just looking for something to keep them coming after feeders are removed.
     
  8. Hispeedal2

    Hispeedal2 Nay Sayer

    You don't necessarily have to doze anything to plant. Simply turn over what soil you can and seed. You could put a plot in the middle of the woods. This is common for some clovers that prefer shade.
     
  9. fortunateson

    fortunateson I hate Illinois Nazis!

    It is planted in pines that are about 5 years old.
    The pines at this age are so dense, that you could barely get a rabbit to run through them.
    About 3/4 acre are clear and I'd like to increase that to have some room for crops.
    I hate to lose those trees, but it's a cost/benefit thing.
     
  10. Hispeedal2

    Hispeedal2 Nay Sayer

    Yuck! Now I understand. The bad part about pines is they raise the acidity of the soil beneath them. It's a survival mechanism to ensure their populations don't get smothered out by competing plants. It's tough to grow anything through that.

    You have some work cut out for you Fort. This is the type of work that I enjoy. I spent the whole weekend finishing some above ground gardening containers and getting my first run planted. I am contending with desert temperatures and dryness.

    Like I said before... I wish I was their to pitch you a hand.
     
  11. fortunateson

    fortunateson I hate Illinois Nazis!

    As far as work goes, I'm as lazy as my budget and brain allows me to be. So, in this case, a 'dozer will be hired to clear, and hopefully, I'll figure out (with some help) a crop that doesn't need to be tilled in too deep. Anyway, I budgeted that in and deducted from the price and got a decent deal.
    Thanks again for the offer. In some ways, it means more than the actual work!

    The pines have investment value. Should pay for the land by the time my kids are ready to inherit it. Then they'll still have the land.

    That's why I hate to lose a few more acres.

    As far as acidity; found this:
    Do pine trees make alkaline soil more acidic, or is that a myth? - Soil Forum - GardenWeb

    Dunno. Seems to be a lot of opinions about it, but hopefully, if that's the case, the trees are young enough to not have done too much damage.

    Someday Al, I'll make it to AZ. In that case I'll look you up and repay the offer - somehow. Grateful.
     
survivalmonkey SSL seal        survivalmonkey.com warrant canary
17282WuJHksJ9798f34razfKbPATqTq9E7