The gloves are off. We all love to hunt, love to manage our property and aren't really happy with a lot of the politics out there today.
I see a lot of infighting among hunters on this site and others. This is an open forum where anyone can voice their opinion and then we start getting under each others skin. I know it's hard to ignore, but certain people on this forum have a special knack for getting under people's skin and then we go down that path again. This is what those people thrive on, the need for you to be upset and they continue to needle you just like a cactus you mistakenly sat on while glassing for Mule Deer or Elk.
We all know who sets us off.
That being said. Let's try and ignore those who do this and keep focused on the upcoming spring.
Whose got plans for new food plots? Anything new that you are going to try in managing your property? Looking for any new tools to make things easier for you?
I am looking for a small grain drill that I can use behind my ATV. Any leads?
FullDraw2015's Link
FullDraw2015's Link
Taking all mature popple out, to create young forest and new growth......
When I am done, I am going to put a sign out by the road, that says, USFS, this is what should be done on your land.................
I am also looking for a new logger. Mine informed me earlier this week that they will not be getting mine cut this year. Another gone by.
Does anyone know a reputable logger in Central Wisconsin?
I like the idea of the sign, but are they able to read and comprehend the message?
November-
The usual food plots? Do you always plant the same things or rotate? What are you planting? Or is it top secret?
10orbetter-
You say food plots are hard for you. If you can grow trees, you can grow a food plot. Let the soil tell you what it will grow. By that I mean get a soil sample and go from there. Good luck!
Thanks for a meaningful thread!
Thank you for the information
Did you ever have any issue with clubfoot on your brassica's?
May years ago I worked for a cabbage farm and we had to rotate every 2 or 3 years to avoid it.
Just curious
I like that,we need a good chuckle
I was going to say the same thing that RJN did, bit add that oats can be broadcast for a fall plot and wheat and rye are a good inexpensive food also.
You don't need much to draw and keep them coming in.
I remember my first food plot was about 1/10th of an acre, took me 2 days to till and plant! That same plot has been expanded over the years and continues to work for us today!
BBD34-
Prune the apple trees late winter, before the buds break. As far as the old apple trees, I have a few of them and gave them a good trimming a couple of years ago and they are doing great. The guy that taught me how to prune fruit trees said "Make sure you are able to throw a cat through the middle and the tree will do just fine."
Make sure air can get into the middle of the tree, they might not look pretty, but they really produce fruit.
Good to hear that you got your popple cut this winter, you'll be amazed what those new shoots will feed next winter.
As far as the corn surrounding you, I have the same thing and we kill deer all year long. Learn the deer travel paths, bedding areas, and give them something that they like and they will stay on your property. The one thing that is important to remember is that after the crops are all picked and sent to the market your food plots, popple and fruit trees will be there to help the critters make it through winter.
There is no better feeling than walking your property in the middle of winter and seeing that there are animals using your property and all of the pieces of the project coming together.
Novemberforever-
Thanks for the reply
Turkeyhunter's Link
Winter projects are corrective pruning on the oaks and oiling gypsy egg masses.
The only other major project is nuking buckthorn and honeysuckle.
We did a burn early last May on a seven+ acre tall grass and forb planting. Awesome upland bird habitat.
Hope the link works...
Also look into getting 8 acres cut and dozed, and start making a plan for more spruce, clover, fruit trees and a house there . I like pears....
I have some new stuff i'm bringing over from new zealand and last year i tested it out and the feedback was positive. I'll be getting seed out in a variety of soils and areas of the US for some new bulb blends and more full season food plot forages.
Last fall out in the fields and this winter in the labs i'm seeing good results with a new growth promoter. For .6 an acre, i believe it's a no brainer. I also have been working on a liquid technology that mixes growth promoters with micro nutrients and time released chemistries.
There are some new herbicides coming onto the market and i spend a day listening to the chemical companies at a meeting and some i'll test out before sharing with you yeah or nay on them.
Nutritionist -
I am guessing there will be some new products coming out to help us out in our food plot production and invasive control??
I can't wait for spring!!
My Granddaughter thinks it looks too pretty for the deer to eat!
I didn't write the title of the thread. The article I posted has everything to do with all of the above. Not telling you what to think but, that article is information that is out there. Information that all of us should have to make fully informed decisions on politics, property management, and hunting.
I should have included these questions when I made the post.
If the trend or plan is to privatize, how will it impact the way you manage your property for whitetail? Will it increase pressure and competition between property owners to hold deer on their property? Will we be pushed into a more contentious environment in private deer management? Based on the information in the article, these questions are legitimate questions. No public land equals fewer hunting opportunities for the general public, and possibly a larger deer herd for private land owners. The impact will change the face of hunting in Wisconsin forever. If you don't own land but, have permission on private land, will you face greater competition in the next 2,3,5, 10 years? I believe all of this is relevant, given the political landscape. Some people are afraid of information, I want to hear both sides.
Naz 's Link
Had ladino clover in the "back back" yard (so I wouldn't have to mow so much lawn!) when we moved 15 years ago and it lasted about five years. Great stuff, really utilized by whitetails in early spring/summer when they need it for fawns/winter body recovery/growth.
http://www.qdma.com/articles/food-plot-species-profile-ladino-clover
Don't do Birdsfoot Trefoil. It is very invasive and you may regret planting it.
If you're meeting with the logger ask them what does best in your soils.
Lots of experienced landowners on this site so feel free to ask for advice. Good luck!
I've heard/read both good and bad on BT. It actually was recommended by a certified forester due to my wet soils. I know the deer don't prefer it but do use it when other options are not available. My land is very thick right now and needs clearing. It is holding a lot of deer in those cedars though. I just need some food sources. I am waiting on a management plan to be finished by the certified forester to see what else he recommends. When we walked the land, he pointed to areas where I can timber cut and make some cash.
I read the Management thread on the main forums and QDMA also. I am learning and appreciate any and all opinions as this is my first land ownership. I have found Nutritionist to be a good source of knowlesge on Bowsite. He is very well versed in this arena.
Thanks for bringing frost seeding up. It is a great way to plant clover. I have done is successfully.
The other thing I have done is spread lime over frozen ground where I need to topdress a field. Ag lime is very inexpensive and I schedule it around when the neighbors have theirs spread in the spring before the ground is thawed.
I use Otto's Limestone & Truckin out of Shawano