I am the same as you far as deer density. We have planted different kinds of plots with good soil ph for a couple years and it's been pretty much the same outcome. If you don't have the deer to eat it, it's going to get high by season end. Also may want to think about making some plots a little closer to thick cover if you have the ability.
Most of our plots are small and were in standing pine that were still thick enough that they serve as key bedding. Most of the surrounding land is open private or National Forest mixed hardwoods. Now most of our plots are in fresh cutover so the succession process has already started. Pine beetles are rampant in the area so a lot of timber is getting cut. I was surprised how fast the cutovers had established regenerative growth this summer. I expanded some of our fields. This year and maybe next is our chance to get it right before the cutovers get really thick. We all know how fun a 1-3 yrs old cutover can be to hunt and then how tough it can get as those pines get tall.
