From forest to food plot, suggestions?

[john_bud]

So, Sandman, what do you call it when you set up next to the sole white oak tree on a wooded 40 acre as it starts to drop acorns? Or set up next to a bean field ? Or an alfalfa field?

I don't see any difference except the proper food plot will provide higher % protein and will have food available in as many seasons as possible. Around here that's spring, summer and fall. Not too much is green under the snow at -30F. Although, some brassicas, rape and canola will stay green up to December.

jb

(By the way - no offense taken either!)

 

[sandman2234]

I guess I would call it lucky...

Lucky in the fact that my hunting partner didn't get that spot first.
David from jax

 

[john_bud]

Exactly!

But around here, the white oak acorns fall before bow season opens, and are GONE quick. Then the red and black oaks drop and they are around for a while but not a favorite.

To help the luck, planting nutritious foods helps. Then again, It's 5 weeks into the season and my meat locker is still empty

 

[TC29-dude]

Great topic gents, I have hunted in the same area on 20,000 acres for the last 15 years. It's down near Fort Lost in the Woods MO in the Mark Twain national forest and it's a big woods area. I have several nice racks on the wall but it took year of scouting etc. to find the honey hole I have been at for the last 5 years or so. I worked hard to get those deer! This will be the 1st year that I won't be there...(anyone want to buy my GPS location for the spot? )

I now own 44 acres and will be hunting there this year. I have food plots out, deer cams taking pix of all, stands/blinds in good spots etc. I know I am going to get a deer...but somehow the I am not as geeked up to go and I don't know why.

To your point, I think food plots are fine but lessen the "man points" garnered by hunting down that big buck as opposed to luring him in. The bonus is the comfort level...no more climbing tree stands for me!

 

[Tororider]

John Bud, five weeks already, I didn't realize that WI season started so early. Bow season opens the first of October every year here. Unfortunately I have only been out in a tree once so far this year, and it wasn't over the food plot or bait, in case you were wondering. I just have too much to do to get ready for this party.

With regards to man points, if you want ultimate man points I heard about this family out west. They were all amazing cross country runners and amazing trackers. They would actually run the deer down. Apparently deer don't do well over long distances being pushed. They could pretty much take the deer with their hands after they ran it down. Now if you can do that, you don't need to worry about adding man points.

 

[john_bud]

Man points!~

How many of those are traded in for a thick slab of deer sausage while watching the Packers beat the 'skins?

In the past 10 years, I have probably only taken a couple of bucks. The rest have been does. Probably 25 in that time. It's sad to let a 2 1/2 year old 8 pt pass only to hear a BANG! over the next hill. But, you gotta let them grow old to grow big.

jb

 

[Tororider]

That is the hard thing about being a good steward of the natural resources you have. If you don't have cooperation of your neighbors all the quality deer management in the world won't help. I am glad that you stick with it. That is one of the reasons I am doing planting this food plot, and have a couple others planned for next year, so that they stick on my property, not likely with all the farm fields around there, but every little bit helps I guess.

 

[EddieWalker]

Here's a few pics of a small buck that's been hanging around my feeder just about every night. He has what we think is his brother with him, but that's just a guess from the look of their racks.

Neither Steph, nor I have any interest in shooting them. Maybe in a few years they will read John Bud standards!!!! We know there are a few older bucks around, we just have to wait for our oportunity.

Next year, I hope to have a good food plot out. I've been clearing out an area for it and I'm almost ready. Just a few more months, and it will be where I want it.

Eddie

 

[Tororider]

Eddie,
Nice Texas deer, I agree, he will be a big boy in a couple years, wallhanger maybe.

You are lucky with the weather down there that you can work on the food plot year round if desired. Up here, when the white stuff flies it makes it a lot harder. I think we will take to cutting down some of our standing dead trees and making some more wood chips. I love Texas weather, the dry heat sure beats the 95% humidity with our 95 degree weather. How much property do you have down there?

 

[john_bud]

Maybe in a few years they will read John Bud standards!!!!

Eddie

You mean like this one?

Eddie, if you are up in the area --> bring a bow

jb