looking for plots for deer and turkey....

[TeeBugg]

Got about 50 acres and im looking to plant some plots to help deer and turkeys. What should i plant? Going for something that doesnt require alot of attention as i dont get to this land everyday. Was thinking clover was an all around good deal. Also interested in getting some throw and grow type for random areas on the land. Your thoughts?

[growalot]

If you don't get to the land often...I'd start out with annuals...if you go with the more expensive clovers on new ground and then don't get back to spray or mow...you'll have a weed field next spring...and clover will get crowded out....Planting annuals a few years will bring up a lot of weed seed to the surface and you can spray to kill...Annuals that help fight the growth of weeds are buckwheat and summer wheat for summer and turnips ,hog radish and WW for the fall....

 you could also go with a spring RR soybean followed by a fall annual or a spring RR corn followed by a grain or hog radish in fall...this would only require the first spray down then another 2 weeks after planting...you can just over seed WW into the corn and hog radish into the beans

[TeeBugg]

Nice. The fiance is after me to plant some plots so she can see some deer this fall. She got her hunter safety course under her belt and will deer hunt this fall for the first time. I was thinking of throw and grow for certain areas. Told her its not an overnite success and doesnt guarantee she sees deer. But it will help and possibly next season it will by then be more beneficial.

[burmjohn]

You have 50 acres of fields?

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[phade]

Most throw and grow with deer on a bag are a waste of money.  Grow gave some good advice. The big question is what kind of equipment do you have access to?

 

Radish, turnips, rape in a plot...then maybe some red clover in the other. Clover can have some maintenance, but I've also seen some people plant clover and let "everything sort itself out"...it wasn't pretty, but they'd get two or three seasons before having to re-do it all. A properly maintained clover plot can last quite a few years, but that seems out of the picture.

 

I'd opt for annuals...

[TeeBugg]

You have 50 acres of fields?

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Woods and power line strips. Part of it used to be a junkyard many moons ago. Tons of deer and turkeys.

[TeeBugg]

Most throw and grow with deer on a bag are a waste of money. Grow gave some good advice. The big question is what kind of equipment do you have access to?

Radish, turnips, rape in a plot...then maybe some red clover in the other. Clover can have some maintenance, but I've also seen some people plant clover and let "everything sort itself out"...it wasn't pretty, but they'd get two or three seasons before having to re-do it all. A properly maintained clover plot can last quite a few years, but that seems out of the picture.

I'd opt for annuals...

Basically hand tools. Maybe a tractor and a brushhawg. General consensus seems to be turnips clover radish maybe even some corn. Just want to make a decent habitat for feeding turkeys and deer. Its got alot of thick areas for bedding and it does hold deer. Edited April 22, 2013 by TeeBugg

[G-Man]

Get a good hand sprayer (Under 50$ bucks will last years), kill where ever you want to plant when green up has started weed killers work best when plants are growing, wait a couple of weeks spray again and plant your small seeded annuals (clover, brassicas) would be better if you can remove the dead vegetation by burning(if possible) or mechanical means (rake by hand or York rake on tractor). Burning is a great way to clear but a permit may be needed and extreme care as everything is dry and dead in spring

[growalot]

If this helps...

http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/58505.html

 

this one is important right now...

 

http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/State-burn-ban-in-effect-through-May-14/YFi2OhVvEkSBTXg-Gj61_Q.cspx
 

Edited April 22, 2013 by growalot

[Fantail]

Do yourself a favor and Avoid the 'Throw & Grow' type seed mixes.

They are mostly rye (lawn) grasses which will grow almost anywhere, giving you the 'feel good' reaction. 

It has a poor draw, and whats worse by the time you realize the mistake it becomes a major hemorrhoid to get rid of. If you can get hold of a rear-tine tiller that's a plus.

 

edit to add; Clover can be some maintenance but a good mix has its rewards. Also don't rule out chicory. It has some draw and taproot that can help survive drought. 

Edited April 22, 2013 by Fantail

[Five Seasons]

on the same subject, if i were to plant something this spring that would attract in the fall what would be my best bet? Or do I plant several things throughout the year? I want to start planting next to my clover patch and dont want to miss my window.

[phade]

If you with an annual such a turnips, radish...you will want to plant in mid/late summer.

 

Some people around here target last week of July and first week of August. I think within that window is fine, but I try to pay more attention to forecast at that time of year.

[growalot]

I tried that one year...What I did was plant a winter,not spring tritical in the spring...as it grew in thick I went in and cut it high...it kept growing  just like a grass and never went to seed...coming up the next spring

[TeeBugg]

Never thought of chicory but that seems like a viable option. Probably go with turnips and radish as well. What should i plant now or say after turkey season?

[Five Seasons]

If you with an annual such a turnips, radish...you will want to plant in mid/late summer.

 

Some people around here target last week of July and first week of August. I think within that window is fine, but I try to pay more attention to forecast at that time of year.

 

is there something i could plant now that would go quick until july and be easy to remove so they start using it early?

[phade]

A couple things...quite a few people here will have differing opinions. I say buckwheat as it'll grow anywhere and is a soil builder. Red clover...maybe a close second.

 

I wouldn't worry about them "using" it. When you are dealing with small plots, you want the lightswitch effect. Off.....ON. Meaning, you want them on it when the timing is right for your hunting. Small plots that get hammered can be a pain to control or deal with.

 

I think you may be better off just controlling the weeds, vegetation with sprays and maintenance and then planting at the appropriate time.

[growalot]

Never go wrong with buck wheat and tritical is another

[burmjohn]

Buck wheat in my field was torn up by the time bow season started.  The deer and turkey loved it from the trail cam pics. 

 

[TeeBugg]

When is a good time to plant buckwheat?

[Five Seasons]

When is a good time to plant buckwheat?

 

also curious. And who sells it?

[growalot]

Try your local  ag feed stores..not big box like TSC and when the ground warms and nights/mornings are frost free...like corn

[SplitG2]

I love Buckwheat but it sounds like you don't have cutting equipment.  Not sure what you are going to do once it matures?  Buckwheat is a grain and the stems are pretty tuff.  Also if you let it go to seed you will have another volunteer crop(which isn't such a bad thing).

[growalot]

I've never had a problem mowing it with the small JD...but usually over seed it with turnips or grain in the fall....The deer keep it pretty well mowed down anyways and frost will kill it fast....I never get more than a few volunteer plants.

One year I planted soybeans the next spring...the buckwheat that came up also...kept the deer off the soybeans long enough to get good growth in the beans

[TeeBugg]

Hmm might be an option for our land. Seems simple enough. So when do i plant it lol

[growalot]

when the ground warms and nights/mornings are frost free...like corn