How many of you....

[wildcat junkie]

I've read that the most beneficial way to "cut browse" is to only cut through a sapling far enough to bend it over. Leaving a "hinge" keeps the tree alive & it can regenerate in the spring providing easy to reach browse over several years.

Edited February 27, 2015 by wildcat junkie

[Curmudgeon]

I broke a snowshoe trail yesterday and hand cut a bunch of volunteer 10-12' Scotch pine yesterday - stuff that was seeded from old trees that should have been cut. The deer have been browsing the low pine branches along with some nearby balsam.

 

Deer were not moving at all here a week ago. The snow pack is settling and I'm seeing well established trails. I even found a couple of spots where they dug through the snow in the woods. It can't be a good return on the use of energy.

[Paula]

I think this is a baiting question trying to stir pot 

[growalot]

No. It was observations made at a local farm store..Again winter feeding in the off season is not baiting..it is illegal but not the same as baiting...unfortunately it is a flawed and dangerous perception toward helping, some people act on...Mentioning it and getting a dialog about just may keep some from doing it.

Edited February 27, 2015 by growalot

[wildcat junkie]

I saw 4 deer yesterday from my kitchen/deck sliding doors. 3 were across the river around 1:00 PM coming to one of the only open water areas. They looked like a doe & yearlings.

 

My daughter saw the other just before sundown. I had to step through the door to see down the river. It was a little over 1/3 of a mile down stream, probably seeking open water too. It was very LARGE, most likely a buck given its size & solitary nature.

Edited February 27, 2015 by wildcat junkie

[growalot]

Thankfully they can get some of the water needed through snow.when things get too bad...we still have flowing water near a couple of small water falls...tracks are heavy in that area...

Edited February 27, 2015 by growalot