Debate: One Big Plot OR Screening to break plot up into Smaller segments

[Missionshooter]

Ok share your opinion and experience:

1) Do you prefer one BIG food plot without screening OR. breaking the plot up with screening so deer cannot see across the entire plot so they have to walk through your plot? What is your ideal plot size?

2) is planting switchgrass screening on the edges of your food plot worth the effort to encourage bucks to enter the plot before dark? ( The idea here is he cannot SEE other deer in the plot from the woods/field edge due to the switchgrass blocking his view)


3) Does anyone want to share BEFORE & AFTER enhancements they have made to their food plots and how much of a difference it made to deer usage and sightings?

 

[Windlooker]

I have a couple larger plots, 3 acres, that we use mostly for muzzy or gun seasons. We put in 3 or so micro plots 1/4 ac or so in tight places using the surrounding timber/cover for so called screening/comfort for bow hunting. Instead of planting screens we use existing cover. On the larger plots in years corn is planted mowing portions of the corn and leaving some standing creates screens. How we do it.

 

[Missionshooter]

Thank you windlooker!

The debate of big open plots vs screened off plots is still open for everyone.

Tony laPratt is a BIG BELIEVER in screening plots down to micro plots. Anyone disagree?

 

[Bucksnbears]

I only bowhunt therefore I like small plots tucked in timber. .

 

[newfarmer]

I’ve only got little plots- mainly due to I’m surrounded by large ag fields that they go to at night. But guess where they go every other time they get the munchies?

 

[Bassattackr]

IMO - Big increase to daytime activity once I utilized switch buffers. Big fan here.

Low side is marked for edge feathering by forester. Will burn the low switch edge and drop edge trees into it. Looking forward to the response.

 

[Thinkin Rut]

Will burn the low switch edge and drop edge trees into it.

That's a nice plot Bassattackr. Are you dropping the edge trees into the switch or back into the timber? I ask because I'm planning on doing something similar.

 

[Thinkin Rut]

The debate of big open plots vs screened off plots is still open for everyone.

I like smaller plots spread out to lessen the pressure on the deer and to keep the bucks moving during the season. All have some screening or that's the goal. An acre plot would be considered a large plot for me and if I thought it would benefit me to break it up with screening I would. The outside perimeter would be screened.

 

[Duckriver]

For me, it would depend on weapon, primary wind direction, and natural deer movement.
If a deer will naturally move throughout the plot and come where you want them, then no need for a screen. But if not....a screen is helpful.
I have a 5 acre field with a south stand. The deer come from north, but then go east in the afternoon. They don't come to the south end naturally.
But once I put in a strip of cover....it is easier to call bucks to the south end. Still not perfect but works better during bow season. During gun, it doesn't matter once they walk in field, they are in range.

 

[DMarley83]

IMO - Big increase to daytime activity once I utilized switch buffers. Big fan here.

Low side is marked for edge feathering by forester. Will burn the low switch edge and drop edge trees into it. Looking forward to the response.

View attachment 130795

What are the benefits to the grass on the perimeter?

 

[Bassattackr]

That's a nice plot Bassattackr. Are you dropping the edge trees into the switch or back into the timber? I ask because I'm planning on doing something similar.

We are burning in about 2 weeks, after season close here in MO. Then we drop the trees into the (burned) switch.

From there, the switch will grow up through the open tree tops creating a mess of cover that benefits all wildlife, including quail, rabbits, turkey nesting, fawn hiding.. By dropping trees in winter, they don't have leaves, so the switch can see sunlight right away.

This creates a much wider edge, preferred habitat for all wildlife.

 

[Bassattackr]

What are the benefits to the grass on the perimeter?

Good question. Lots of benefits IMO..

- Screening for me to get in / out of stands without being detected.
- Screening for the deer, so bucks have to come out into the field to see all other deer.
- Switch creates a nearby safety buffer, so deer feel more comfortable using in daylight hours.
- Manipulate the food plot shape, to steer the deer by my stands, keep them in bow range.
- Lots of great cover for turkeys, quail, rabbits and deer fawns.
- In this particular case, also reduces, removes erosion on hillside(s).

That's about it.

I may have to start a thread for this project, so everyone to follow along, if interested

 

[Thinkin Rut]

I may have to start a thread for this project, so everyone to follow along, if interested

Some after pics for sure. A few more questions...are you planning on dropping the majority of the edge trees into the switch and how far beyond the original edge are you feathering? Are you hinge cutting any or dropping them completely?

 

[Bassattackr]

Some after pics for sure. A few more questions...are you planning on dropping the majority of the edge trees into the switch and how far beyond the original edge are you feathering? Are you hinge cutting any or dropping them completely?

Typical edge feathering practices call for 10-15 yards into the woodline.

No hinge cutting, dropping completely. Will not treat stumps however, so expect regrowth for most everything except cedars.