Year around food

[JNRBRONC]

Role of genetics and nutrition MSU link

I hear lots of people planting fall cool season plots or fencing deer out of food plots so that there is something to hunt over. Maybe let them eat when they are growing that rack?

Copy/paste from above link:

Habitat Management​

In addition to maintaining deer density within the nutritional carrying capacity, active habitat management is a critical step. Habitat management will ensure that there is an abundance of natural broadleaf, herbaceous plants (forage) available to the remaining deer on a property. Nature has given you the seed for these plants; you just have to prepare a spot for them to grow. You can accomplish this through disturbance, like disking and burning, and by managing the canopy of your forestland.

Deer forage needs sunlight! Shady forests provide very little forage for deer. So work with a registered forester to thin timber stands as soon as possible, apply herbicides to control woody vegetation (if needed), and, finally, incorporate a prescribed-burning program. Once you have created good deer habitat, supplement with food plots. Many hunters do a good job of planting cool-season food plots, but few develop a good warm-season program. Keep in mind that both antlers and fawns are being grown during summer, so this is a critical time for deer to have good nutrition and to switch those growth genes on!

I wound up at MSU because there was a link at the end of this Outdoor Life (link).

 

[Bassattackr]

Never cared for the fenced in food plot approach. I understand for browse pressure, but depriving them when they need it never made sense to me.

Feels a bit too manipulative.. Like a 75" tall woven fenceline.

I want to hunt deer in the wild. Not on an obstacle course, or a playpen.

 

[Sligh1]

I do fenced plots where it’s literally my only option. Folks who been around me know how much I hate the fence & putting them up. I am stuck with some on some CRP farms that limit size. I always have clovers next to them outside fence or plant some beans for them to mow.

Totally agree with forest!!! sunlight & browse!!! I try to explain it to folks like this …. “You see right away how much difference a plot makes to deer use, health, etc - right?” “Oh for sure!!” TSI with sun, browse, cover, nutrition, etc etc is absolutely as impactful as food plots. Maybe more. It’s just folks don’t “see it” as clear as they do a food plot. It’s absolutely a must & game changing or a huge miss not to have it. Don’t care what plots you plant…. Forest browse or natural browse (lacking or in abundance) is a key determinant to great nutrition & health or lack there of.

 

[Pops]

Role of genetics and nutrition MSU link

I hear lots of people planting fall cool season plots or fencing deer out of food plots so that there is something to hunt over. Maybe let them eat when they are growing that rack?

Copy/paste from above link:

Habitat Management​

In addition to maintaining deer density within the nutritional carrying capacity, active habitat management is a critical step. Habitat management will ensure that there is an abundance of natural broadleaf, herbaceous plants (forage) available to the remaining deer on a property. Nature has given you the seed for these plants; you just have to prepare a spot for them to grow. You can accomplish this through disturbance, like disking and burning, and by managing the canopy of your forestland.

Deer forage needs sunlight! Shady forests provide very little forage for deer. So work with a registered forester to thin timber stands as soon as possible, apply herbicides to control woody vegetation (if needed), and, finally, incorporate a prescribed-burning program. Once you have created good deer habitat, supplement with food plots. Many hunters do a good job of planting cool-season food plots, but few develop a good warm-season program. Keep in mind that both antlers and fawns are being grown during summer, so this is a critical time for deer to have good nutrition and to switch those growth genes on!

I wound up at MSU because there was a link at the end of this Outdoor Life (link).

Your attached MSU link “”Role at the top of your post is excellent. I’m quite familiar with 2 of the 3 zones discussed. Their studies are well done and maybe a bit eye opening.
Also mentioned in this thread talks a little about use cool season plots and not so much use of warm season plots. I’m having great luck (aka results) with a diverse summer mix planted around June 1 in southeast Iowa.

Anyway, good post and worth checking out, in my opinion.