We have roughly 700 acres in eastern Fayette county. Our population density is not very high (good but not great) we have, what seems to be a higher than average number of young - mature bucks on the property but a low number of does.

The property consist of 1/3 fresh cut over, 1/3 SMZs and 1/3 12 year old un thinned pines. We have between 4-5 acres of food plots. I know this should be higher but it's leased land so we have to work with what we currently have.

Would planting summer plots help increase the doe population? What else can we do to increase numbers beside trigger restraint. Speaking of which we have only killed 4 does off this propert in the past 2 years.

I wouldn't mess with it. I'd leave it as is if you are holding bucks like you say.

I would establish some clover only plots, if you don't have them already. That clearcut will attract more deer than the few acres of summer plots you can plant.

With a limited amount of acreage, i would try to keep half of it in a year round plot of white clover. Typically lasts 4-5 years before you have to replant it. Keep it weed free as possible and try to mow it at least twice a year to keep it producing.

4-5 acres of plots is limited, or 700 overall?

I think planting 5 acres of soybeans would make a difference in keeping does around, but I've never done it.

4-5 acres of fields is what i was referring to.

A 4-5 acre field of soy beans would be okay but I would assume you meant that you have 4-5 acres total in fields. Soybeans dont last long in little plots if you have many deer. I would rather plant a field once and have it produce year round for multiple years than a plot that has a small window in which to benefit wildlife.

This is a 1/4 acre plot I have on 10 acres. I planted it in soybean and I.c. peas three years ago. They didnt make it out of the ground good before they nipped the tops out. Ive had it in white clover for the past two deer seasons and they use it year round.

Josh I would start feeding as soon as deer season is over and keep the deer you have on your place , I might be wrong but I think if you do that you will pull deer off other land and any clover chicory etc plots you have will keep deer and turkeys but the clover and chicory will be good for lactating does , keep out mineral sights and fertilize your natural browse make your place a buffet for them. I don't think I would shoot any does for a while till you get that herd up a little but to answer your question any plots you can make will definitely help .

Doe deer get the best habitat, not bucks. To hold doe's, improve your habitat, and this includes planting summer plots. As has already been discussed, perrenial clover plots will attract deer, and is very high in protein, and is browse friendly. Start these in the fall, not the spring, in Alabama. Cowpeas and buckwheat make a good summer planting. They love cowpea's, and if they browse them too hard, you still have the buckwheat for them. If possible, i would definately increase my acreage of foodplots.

I can give you my experience, for what it's worth. We have several small food plots (1 acre or less) on what is mostly (about 80%) of a pine plantation. We've tried summer plots more than once. When I say summer plots, I mean a mix of peas, beans, buckwheat and sunflowers. We've also done the the clover thing.

Our results were - if all you are doing is mixing peas, beans, buckwheat and sunflowers - forget it. You are going to get run over and they won't withstand the browse pressure. Now, if you replace the sunflowers with sorghum and make sure you plant the types of peas and beans that will regenerate and withstand heavy browse, you MAY get a decent stand IF you have a couple of plots that are 3/4 of an acre or more. The sorghum won't get eaten down early like the SF's, and it will provide something for the peas/beans to grow up. Also, if you have a bunch of turkeys (we do), they will do as much, if not more, damage to a pea/bean crop in small food plots. Best thing for small plots is to use some kind of food plot protector - electric fence, plot saver, or something, to let them come up and get established.

Clover, on the other had, works better. Crimson gives good protein through about March, red is good in April and May and white will come around in summer. Late summer/fall when it is hot and dry, clover starts to fall off. That's when your sorghum actually works (short, not tall sorghum) when the seeds turn red in early fall.

If my plots were limited like yours, I would either do nothing or do the clover thing. And maybe throw in some chicory. The reason I say that is that peas/beans/sorghum mix really needs to stand through October to be most effective, which is exactly when you want to be planting your winter plots. Your mileage may vary.

I'll come take a look at your property and assist you any way I can. That's why I'm here, and Fayette is just around the corner. I hunt several tracts in eastern Fayette so I'm familiar with the area. PM me if interested.

Matt.. do you ever come towards East Tuscaloosa county?

I have a question.......If you are already seeing what you believe to be a higher than average buck population, then why are you concerned with trying to draw in more does?

Tuscaloosa is not in my district.

Wow, now that's a great offer.

I'm beginning to think some of the bucks leave the property during the rut in search of does. I want to increase the pop. In order to keep them onsite. And I would like to shoot a couple a year for the freezer.

Thanks Matt. Pm sent!!

Matt,

Do you have an equivalent that would come to Lowndes county and assist?

Thanks.....
Rick

I can handle Tuscaloosa or anywhere in north AL.

Shoot me a pm. I can help you.