Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Serious Deer Talk Forum After timber cutting deer management

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.

mission

I think if I was in your position I'd plant some trees/shrubs that will produce food that will draw the deer during the months you want them there. Think late dropping pears,crab apples, chestnuts. Establish clover around these plantings to add to the buffet. A 3-4 acre plot of soybeans/corn would hurt either.

Make your food plots to resemble a figure 8. Put your stand in the middle. That way no deer(buck) can see whats in far end of plot without walking to the middle. Giving you a shot.

Thats a good idea. Also, on 40 acres make at least 2 such sites, maybe 3. Plant some pears, they start producing soon, at the right time and are deer magnets. Keep the brush down around the white oaks and you should have plenty of good hunting for you and your son.

I don't know much about the management part but I can absolutely attest to the figure 8 or hourglass shaped food plot. I can ease down the trail and slip into the stand with minimal noise and scent. It's our most productive field (about 3 acres) and I think it's because we don't have to walk across it to get to the stand.

Dr. B

Thanks much, fellows. I'll certainly put 'figure 8' plots in practice later this summer (Fall). I'm thinking that winter wheat would be a good crop to plant. I have a good spot in mind that is close to a water source...an underground spring that never goes dry. It's located near the area I arrowed the 8-point last year.

I also have 2 old pear trees in my (large) acre size yard that bear tons of fruit late each summer. They are near my 'now intended' figure 8 plots. The deer make trails to the pears each year. (thanks for this idea, too !)

I'm now down to a 15 acre 'actual' bow hunting area...and not 40 acres as formerly said. I can hunt all 40 but wish to concentrate on the 15 acres. It's small but I'll try my best. Having a neighbor w/200 acres of cleared and forested land backing up to my 15 acres area will really help.

I'm already seeing lots of deer tracks and I've seen a few hen turkeys in the past week. That's good news !

I guess what y'all are telling me is to provide them with plots and fruit for food and draw them in close ? My tiller is broken (forward worm gear problem) and I'm trying to fix it myself in time for Fall deer season. Parts total $150. ! Ouch !

Please help: I've been very busy and have not read all the threads/posts on possible changes regarding the ADCNR regulations on the use of bait, spin feeders, etc. Is there any change in the Game & Fish Laws & Regulations regarding the use of bait for deer via spin feeders, distance from the bait to your hunting stand, mineral blocks, etc. ?? I will follow the Law and Regs to a tee but I'm not up to date on the latest decisions and possible revamps. Thank you all so much.

Rather than plant wheat I highly recommend Buck Forage Oats. I've planted them for years and have had great results. I overseed the planted oats with Yucci Arrowleaf clover and it will reseed every year providing good Feb and March grazing for the does after they bred and the bucks as they are winding down from the rut. Deer love oats.

I will try this, timbercruiser. Thank you much for your recommendation. I have a good place picked out that should do well. I'll read up on Buck Forge Oats and and the Yucci Arrowleaf Clover...and I'll try my very best ! Thanks again !