Recent content by BearCreek

I have been using IMOX and Clethodim the last two years with good results, especially on Alfalfa. I am not sure on the effect of those herbicides on newly sprouted clover, but its the cleanest alfalfa I have ever had. Have to spray the IMOX early (April 12th for me). IMOX does have a residual so...

With any of these investments one has to consider whether your investment is actually appreciating or merely increasing in "value" versus a depreciating a dollar. In other words, compare that acre of tillable, bitcoin, barrel of oil, etc. to an ounce of gold or vice versa. I am personally...

I would consider waiting until fall, especially if you have inadequate PH. Alfalfa thrives in higher PH soils and benefits from proper micros. Are you going to bale it? If not, I would recommend a grazing variety. Not all alfalfa is RR but it is certainly available but more expensive. Alfalfa...

Great thread, it seems we all agree on the lack of mature high-scoring deer on the landscape. I think about this topic more than I should. My thoughts: - Cell cameras are a net positive if utilized in the right manner. Being able to identify deer to pass, quickly, really helps me avoid...

Tough call. I’m envious of your situation. So tough for deer to get to 5 where I am. I really believe in my locale harvesting quality deer is 5% hunting skill, 15% habitat management, 80% having neighbors that don’t shoot 3-4 year olds. Sorry to high jack your thread a bit, I just get pissy this...

Cell cams aren’t killing bucks in the off season. They are either dying from other causes or they are leaving their homes at “maturity.”

Same story to the east of you at my place in Illinois. I've harvested one doe on 200 acres since 2020. Expand that out to 600 acres and I estimate 1-2 does a year max, yet I see no additional deer accumulating on the properties. Good year this year for fawns per camera data, so we will see what...

I am assuming USDA/FSA is dictating the available species for your buffer planting? I am not sure I would plant a single silver maple (not a fan), they grow fast but also usually dominate and overtake areas due to growth rate and seed production. If viable I like: Bur, Swamp, and Pin Oak as a...

It's worth the squeeze for me. I battle reed canary grass in my bottoms and bush honeysuckle/multi flora rose on my high ground. I'm getting rid of invasives and other undesirables regardless of the short term impact on deer hunting. The benefit to other species makes it worthwhile to me. I've...

Returning to this thread with a few more years under my belt... I had previously (see #10 above) endorsed using vinyl deer fencing to prevent deer and other critters from accessing shrub and tree plantings. Now almost four years out, I have a better (more experienced) perspective to offer. As...

I'm with Bucksnbears on this one. Something about installing fence to direct deer movement just feels wrong. I have no issue with someone hunting an old fence gap that's been there for 80 years but installing fence to create chokepoints seems unnatural to me. I also don't have an issue with...

If Pin oaks will grow in your area they can tolerate fairly wet soils and hold leaves into mid-winter. As to Hedge, I like to hinge it to get leaves within reach of deer as it is heavily browsed. I also want to make sure it provides sidecover. Often you can just hinge a few big branches, even if...

Resurrecting this thread to see how the Swamp Chestnut Oaks have done since planted. Considering planting some in my bottom ground.

Many good suggestions here. It is probably worth mentioning that loggers as a whole are some of the least trustworthy individuals out there. The profession is overweight these types because of the ease of taking advantage of landowners. I always recommend utilizing a private forester as they are...

Your farm seems extremely dialed in. Makes me wonder about successive EHD outbreaks. Bucks are one thing, but you should be loaded with does with that setup. You can install an alfalfa plot without baling. My plot is mowed (bush hog) 3-4 times a year and has not been hampered by duff/debris. I...