Almost time to start some tsi

[G-Man]

Its almost time to get out there and fell unwanted/ less desirable trees in the woods again. hingecut a few redmaple and generally improve the hunting by providing winter browse and overall saw timber in the woods. I try to do about 5 acres a year. At least the snow isn't going to be a problem so far. tough to walk thru when its deep leet alone run away from a falling tree...

[SplitG2]

Good stuff. One of the best things you can do on your property and all you need is a chainsaw.

[tughillhunter]

Its neverending. I should switch to burning wood instead of fuel oil. endless supply of wood.

[scobar]

you cannot beat the return in hinge cutting, like all said the best thing for all wildlife. I believe it is even preferred over food plots. I end up with more trail pics from hinge cut areas than my food plots, and for a lot less $$ to boot.

[ELMER J. FUDD]

Its neverending. I should switch to burning wood instead of fuel oil. endless supply of wood.

Yeah, you should!

[cbx46]

What knd of trees do you hinge cut? Any? I would think it would have to be a type with nutrional value. Is it designed for nutrition in the spring? All the trees are bare now.

[Paula]

what is the point of hinge cutting?

[SplitG2]

Hinge cutting provides cover, food and allows sunlight to reach the ground.

[Paula]

and is it better to do near known trail?

[scobar]

What knd of trees do you hinge cut? Any? I would think it would have to be a type with nutrional value. Is it designed for nutrition in the spring? All the trees are bare now.

Yes the trees are bare of leaves but loaded with buds which is high value food in winter. I prefer to hinge cut along the top of ridges or ravines on the leaward side of wind travel. Cut the trees 3-4' high and help to lay down. Now the food is there and it will grow very thick, which in turn makes great cover. The tree wil not die. Deer love to lay in heavy cover to there back (wind side) and open where they can see & have a great escape area like a ridge top or ravine.

[cbx46]

nice I think I will be trying this. Then you can plant seedlings in the ares you hinge cut for new growth.

[G-Man]

The hinge cut will not kill the trees and they will send up suckers in the spring off the stump and trunk. the purose is to place buds / new growth within a deers reach. Yes you can replant trees but remember you just created a feeding area so you need to protect your seedlings by planting inside the tops or using some kind of tree protector!.. Good trees to hinge cut are red maple, ash, oak are good but only if you have them in excess as the sprout readily from stumps.