Western Washington Land Management for deer

[Carwash]

Greetings,

I recently acquired a nice parcel of land in 627 that is surrounded by state and tree farm. What can I do to properly manage forested land to promote a healthy deer population? Is there anyone that works in land management or forestry that could assist? What makes deer happy?

 

[limpet]

What’s it look like? Slicked off recently and sold? A patch work of age classes? All mature timber? That’s a nice sized chunk and should be able to hold a nice buck or two.

 

[Carwash]

Acres of Doug Fir that aren’t much bigger than 18-20” with thick underbrush. The western Washington special.

 

[BlacktailTracker]

Acres of Doug Fir that aren’t much bigger than 18-20” with thick underbrush. The western Washington special.

You are going to want a log/burn some areas and get some habitat diversity.

 

[hibernation]

What's the neighboring land look like? I'd be looking at what kind of habitat is already provided next to yours, see if there's any missing piece you can contribute. Are the neighboring tree farms all at similar stand age? Do they provide any forage or cover? Are any of them recently cut?

Kinda depends how big your parcel is too, there's only so much you can do with 5-10 acres compared to 100+.

 

[blackveltbowhunter]

What types of underbrush? Depending on how much property and how its laid out topographically will determine whether you can "hold" deer vs attract deer. Get some areas thinned, not cleared, enough light to let some deciduous trees like maples and alder grow, but keep in mind the more light the less daylight activity. It sounds like the trees are still a little young, but if you can get some trailing blackberry,( not himalayan), trees producing some old mans beard and enough alder/maple, oregon grape and salal to provide security cover you will have deer wanting to live there.

 

[DeepRest]

I agree with the habitat diversity point made. I'd very strategically log a part of it and then start a food plot. How much acreage are you working with?
Scott Haugen, in his book "Trophy Blacktails, the Science of the Hunt" spends a few pages talking about the significance of food plots and the strategies to consider. He points out that food plots will not only bring deer into the area, but will ensure that bucks access to high quality food which actualizes their full genetic potential. He references someone named Dave Douglas, who has created food plot science and business called Blacktail Specialties in Kelso, WA. He may be gone now, and I can't find his business, but Scott Haugen briefly touches on his theories.
Some of those theories are:
-5% of your land should go to deer nutrients and to not over do it.
-South facing slopes are key
-He's not talking about sitting in a stand over a corn field like they do in the Midwest. Haugen writes that Dave's approach uses naturally occurring PNW forage and high quality protein blends to ensure over-winter survival and therefore healthy deer populations during the hunting season.
-He claims that you shouldn't even be able to tell there is a "food plot," because everything you plant is endemic to the landscape.
- He says not to fuss with machinery. Use a garden rake to till up the top 1/4" of soil and broadcast seeds over it before a rain.
- Plant endemic clover, wheat, oats, barley and brassica
-North facing slopes can be used for "cool climate crops"
- Do not buy "pasture grade feed" the deer will pass it up. Instead opt for "custom-made, forage grade feed suited for the ground you intend to plant."
native seed blending was what his company "Blacktail Specialties" did. If they don't exist anymore, I'm sure he has some disciples around.
-stresses the importance of year round food, not just corn.
- break up salt blocks into gravel consistency and cast them onto your land. Rain will leach the minerals into the soil and deer will go crazy for it BUT, not all blacktail like all mineral blocks.