Food Source Progression

[landtracdeerhunter]

 Kind of a planting journal. Clover, alfalfa, trefoil, vetch, and grass seedings  look shorter and thinner than typical years. Looks like the hay production will be less. Doesn't sit well with me but, it sure doesn't bother the deer any. The chess sure grew good though, as seen in the pics. Took the pics during the lunch hour and found 9 deer in a short distance. I'm sure some have planted fawns in the hay. We usually have all doe and young this time of year, but something has changed the area to incorporate more bucks. Was hoping to get some turkey poult pics, but that wasn't to be.  My plans have changed, to a August planting of daikon radish and peas due to still not being able to work the land. Hay will be removed first, to help yield, then hit it with the chisel.  Mondays 1 1/2" rainfall sure didn't help. Will shoot some oats and wheat in pre Labor Day.

Edited June 4, 2014 by landtracdeerhunter

[landtracdeerhunter]

August is when I pull into high gear with food source plantings for wildlife. I planting differently this season. Trying strip planting. This will be my first year. Will end up with radish, turnip, beet, wheat, oat, alfalfa, red clover, birdfoot trefoil, chickory, and finer grasses side by side.  In about a 14 acre parcel.  I will be adding corn next season, weather permitting.  Berries, apples, pears, and mast crops are nearby.  I also have a good source of other wild berry selection. The idea is to give the wildlife a food source selection, to provide a lasting habitat throughout the year. I don't know if it will work, but it sure can't hurt. I like to give back to nature, for what she has provided.

Edited August 15, 2014 by landtracdeerhunter

[VT Outfitter]

That is a great variety of forage for your critters. I am curious to see how your strip planting turns out.

[SplitG2]

Strip planting works! Looking good.

[landtracdeerhunter]

Few more pics. A clue to who likes to visit., LOL. My lettuce, cabbage, and vetch seed just came in. Something new to try for forage.

 

The last pic is the trail I leave next to the brush line. I leave about a 4 foot width, as bucks tend to travel  these during their rounds of breeding. I witnessed a buck last season, excise his services here.