WesternNY

I just got back from a Spring Bear hunt in N Quebec, the woods up there is full of black bears.... I was successful in harvesting one. Bears are very aloof and secretive creatures. A sow with cubs, or a wounded bear is not something I would want to run into but black bear attacks are very very rare. You have a better chance at getting hit by lightning. When I shot my bear last Monday, from the ground at 25 yards behind a pile of brush, the bear turned and ran right towards me.. the bear did not know I was there and was running the bear trail (the biggest game trail I have ever seen) full speed running towards me, blood gushing out from just behind each shoulder and piled up 10 feet in front of me, slightly to my left and made 3 death groans... something I will never forget. I used my Rem 700 30-06 with 165 grain hornady sst and all I can say is wow what damage. My next bear hunt in a year or 2 will be Manitoba with Bow in the Spring. I have bears on my property, get them on cam and see them in the woods are rare though. I hope to be able to harvest one on my farm some year.

You could always borrow my 2 bottom 3pt plow. As long as it is scrub brush like you describe. You should be able to plant whatever you want this year when it comes to fall planted annuals or fall planted clover. Tillers are great if your soil is not rocky... I could never use one on my farm. They are a bit slower than traditional plow and disc, but make the best seed bed. Fall Planting starts in July to Sept 1 depending on the crop. I dont know your specifics in regards to the property and its use... just consider your time and energy and the future possibility of not being able to use the property. The soils where you are generally very good. I would plant things that are not around you and would offer something different. Clover is very good, even if the farmer has some, the location of secluded plots will draw deer. A clover chicory plot is really really good. You want a good firm seed bed and seed on top, roll after seeding if you can. Clover chicory is easy to grow if you have great soil contact and rain after planting. Ground Hog Radishes are awesome at breaking up hard pan, but I bet you dont have hard pan. Oats, Winter Rye, Winter Wheat are good choices... Buckwheat is cheap, easy to grow and is great for the soil if you can incorporate into the soil while it is green. Fresh turned over sod is full of nutrients and you will be amazed at the growth this year. Give me a buzz if you need more help.

Why in the world would you want to get rid of the tree tops. Logging is the best thing you can do for your property when it comes to increasinig the quality of habitat. Deer will bed like crazy in and around the tree tops, tree tops protect new growth trees by acting as a natural fence, and the deer will feed on the tops. You do not want your deer woods looking like a park, you want it to look like a thick nasty woods where you can not see past 30 yards with lots of sun hitting the ground. Leave to the tree tops, unless you want in to look like a park, and not hold quality bucks. Everytime I have had logging done, the hunting that season and seasons after has been better!

Your post you said the QDMA supported this. That is not accurate, a Branch of the QDMA supported this.

WNYBuckhunter is correct! National QDMA will only support mandatory AR when 3 criteria are met; - Majority of Hunters support AR's - It is Biologically Sound - The State can monitor the herd and AR program sufficiently The Gr. Rochester S. Tier Branch has officially taken the stance of supporting Volunteer AR but NOT STATEWIDE Mandatory AR's. The reasons: The state is diverse in habitat and herd numbers vary throughout, The current AR's in NY state would not help protect the majority of 1.5 year old bucks in the Genesee Valley.... most but not all would still be eligible to harvest, and we hope through education and results more hunters will opt to pass on 1.5 year old bucks. Passing on 1.5 olds is quickly becoming more popular in New York State..... we hope this continues.

The dougherty's new Book will be available for purchase at the field day. It is coming off the printing machines Thursday!

We are proud to announce 3 new outreach programs run and supported by the branch. - 2013 Youth Hunt - 2014 Scholarship - Gr. Rochester S. Tier Branch Sportsmen for Hero's (Wounded Vets) You can read details and get application on the following links https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w8ucfru0z...pplication.pdf https://www.dropbox.com/s/mwwpv0skcl...os%20App.pdf?m https://www.dropbox.com/s/g5f7e30z6y...nt%20App.pdf?m Follow us on facebook GRSTQDMA The Branch has also joined the NYSRPA and made a nice financial donation to help fight for our Second Ammendment rights in NY State. I highly suggest you check them out and give them support! Thanks, Mike

Come enjoy a whitetail day! Registration Required Property tour and talk Jaw bone aging/extraction Trapping Demo Shed hunt for the Kids Meet The Branch Officers Meet NE Reg Director Ryan Furrer Meet Youth Education and Outreach Manager Hank Forester.

2 things first Where do the deer tend to bed and what is the dominate wind on your property?

http://www.outreachoutdoors.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=475&start=0 One of the best threads on clover, it is linked here also http://www.qdma.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31278

This is a loaded question as some folks are set on their ways of planting and controlling weeds. Generally speaking, planting in the fall (August) with a mix of annuals works the best, not disturbing the soil too much also helps, though not ussually reasonable. Mowing will help at the right times, but for grasses mowing makes it worse. Learn about clethodim for use in clover on grasses... but it will kill chicory. When you mow, do not mow in dry weather.... do not mow towards the end of the growing season. Dont cut clover below 6-8 inches... you are just trying to get the tops of the weeds before they go to seed. The picture I posted in your other thread was a clover chicory plot planted in the spring. I find seeding heavily with clover helps... choke out the weeds,, I tend to double the rate of seed for clover. Some crops do not tolerate heavy seeding... brassicas come to mind, corn as well. Good luck

The BassPro in Harrisburgh PA is awesome.... it beats Auburn store hands down. Been to Cabelas is PA and CT.... and shop online monthly. I agree Cabelas is best.

I hope this is true!

Clover is easy to grow and attracts as soon as it emerges. This plot was planted Spring on 2012 seems like it attracted just fine. It is a clover chicory mix This plot provided great hunts and 2 does were harvested and 4 encounters with nice bucks in 8 sits.

You will be fine. I just got mine in the ground yesterday........ I am hoping for some rain now and temps ar going to warm Wednesday!

I think clover is King in food plots... depending on what else is around your hunting area can impact it use. Adding chicory is also great, deer love it. Clover for me draws them heavy until around the 3rd week of Oct, then it slows a bit. Clover is easy to plant, cheap in the long run as you can get 5 years if done right out of it.

Depending on how thick the vegetation is you are going to spray and how you are going to till the soil...... you may be better off not spraying. Turning green vegetation into the soil helps improve your soil. Spraying and then tilling dead matter helps a bit but not as much as turning in green. Again it depends.... on the situation and your equipment. Just something to think about

Giving this a bump..... email me at [email protected] for registration and or questions. Mike

How about improving habitat, especially nesting habitat... and yes predator control but far more turkey eggs, hatchlings are kiiled in the nest by skunks, coons, possum than by coyotes year round.

Hope you can join us for a great day.... bringing the kids is encouraged!

Special Thanks to the Rochester Community who helped support our Banquet last night. From the donors, to the guests you all made it a huge success. Thanks Mike

I hate snakes!

Yup, 99% sure eastern milk snake... harmless.

LOL it was taken with an iphone.

Will do George!