Implications of...

[Jrs5144]

The land I hunt is made up of primarily farmed land, 70%. Over the past few years the farmer has planted soybeans... This year I just noticed he switched to corn. Something like 60 acres. My question is what kind of impact will this have on the deer before and after the crop is harvested? Will the corn hold the deer just as well as the soybeans? I should also note that the next farm over traditionally plants corn and the deer often bedded on my land and traveled to the corn in the evening to graze.

[MACHINIST]

Bedding areas shouldn't change much.They sometimes bed in the corn,but not always.This is the time of year to hang some cams,check runs and make a game plan.That way if the deer do change a lot then you can be on them quick.The farm we hunt switches the fields back and fourth and it does change them up a bit but they are generally in the same area but just a little different from the last crop cycle.

[G-Man]

A lot will depend when fields are cut and if the corn is going for silage or whole ear/kernel. the longer a field stands the more area a deer has to hide. look at the 60 acres of corn as 60 acres of woods. the deer can stay there and never be botherd. but when its cut they are forced to find cover.

[First-light]

Corn is also great for bear. You may get a few hanging around. If you time it right try to be in your stand when they cut the corn. I have had real good days doing this.

[Five Seasons]

one thing that corn does that soy doesn't is provide cover. Smart mature bucks will use it to bed, eat and just hang out in. Can't really do that with soy. Saves a lot of deer if they wait to cut it till late like they have around me the past few years

[gjs4]

Belo is right

 

 

Corn also is food source that is available from emergence to post chop. Soys lose their palatablity when they brown (unless wet!).Soys are highly desired- corn is way less than most people think.Corn may leave scraps to eat post pick (or even chop) where soys are gone when theyre harvested. 

 

My guess is every good buck around will be bedding and feeding on that field until late August- a few may hang until Sept harvest thereafter and then your next food source will be the place to be- 

 

Big difference...and this is where monitoring your herd and individual buck habits pays off

[josephmrtn]

If it is going to be ear corn i would recommend doing a deer drive thru it... also you "can" hstill hunt thru corn but it tends to make a lot of noise

[WNYBuckHunter]

If it is going to be ear corn i would recommend doing a deer drive thru it... also you "can" hstill hunt thru corn but it tends to make a lot of noise

 

Which is why you do that on a windy day. I did just that during bow season last year while we were tracking a buck for someone. I got to within 15 yards of 3 does I spotted through the corn, just couldnt get a shot. If it would have been gun season, at least one would have been dead.

[josephmrtn]

Im thinking of tryin that during gun

[G-Man]

hunting standing corn is productive good way to do it is with bow, row to row. gun it can be dangerous

[josephmrtn]

why dangerous? you mean with other ppl? i usually would do it by myself or with one or two other guys

[phade]

The eberharts model corn stalking very well.

 

Gun can be dangerous, but if you know you are alone, then so be it.