This may have been discussed before but I can't discern all the important first steps to do. I feel overwhelmed with info and I direly need some help, please.
I had most of the timber cut on my small amount of land (40 acres). White Oak and other trees were left intermittently for wildlife. I'm just beginning to see tracks where deer have entered the cut over to investigate. Before the timber cutting, I had maybe 10-12 deer that resided, frequented or used my land as a bedding area. The place was too thick for good turkey habitat. (no strutting ground/grazing, etc.) My land essentially consists of 2 large, flat-topped hills 200 yards apart, with low lying areas surrounding it. I'm between two places that have good stands of mixed hardwoods and pines.
Now that I've had the timber cut to pay off a mortgage...can you all recommend what to do *firstly to make my place into the very best bowhunting place I can possibly make ?? Second or third tier management applications would also help me out. I would really appreciate the help !
I now have: clear places for food plots, a spin feeder, hilly land, 2 natural springs, 20' strips of woods along the perimeter, a good ground blind, knowledge of growing crops/plots, not a lot of money and resources at my disposal, etc. My neighbors have most of the deer herd 'tied up' as he has more land. I don't think he manages for deer...but does for turkey. There's no chance for a deer management co-op.
I want to make my place as ready as possible for me and my sons to bow hunt this first year...and to make it as best and attractive to deer (and turkey) as I can in the coming years.
What is the first and wisest thing(s)I should implement after the timber cutting to start off my 40 acre deer (and turkey) bow hunting/management area to it's utmost, ideal scenario ?
If further questions need asking for a better reply or suggestion...I'll be more than glad to answer them.
All help would be very appreciated and welcomed. Thank you.
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