Who else is managing land for whitetails?

[squirrel]

reading this thread has taught me... I NEED MORE MONEY!!!! Interesting thoughts though in the end you do the best with what you can afford, and with what will work in your immediate area. Blister beetles grasshoppers and army worms have me convinced that alfalfa for the deer may not be something I can manage, though the deer loved it at the critical time of early spring.

Curious if you guys who feed mineral have noticed huge differences in usage in what appear to be similar feeding spots? I have two a mile apart both in heavy cover. One gets hit 5x more than the other after 3 years Im thinking of just letting the one leech away and giving them what they want where they obviously want it.

My buck/doe ratio is amazing in summer with 12-30 bucks per evening this summer, seldom more than 5-10 girls, fawns almost none. I think I have coyotes that are really specialising in deer catching. I plan on entering them into re-education camps this year during archery season sits as I have checked and having a rifle hanging is OK long as you bow kill has no bullet hole.

Two things are certain that one should always be learning and adapting, and it sure is fun to play on your own land.

Im thinking of baiting late winter as all the mighty nimrods pour the corn when its not really needed and then the day after gun season they pull it away just when the deer might actually get some benefit from it. As I'm anti-bait this is still a mental exercise which I have not fully digested. Leaving 10 acres of corn standing would be less hypocritical. But may not be nearly enough.

 

[K9kodi]

Land in the family I hunt is just a touch over 2000 acres. Broken into 2 parcels, one 800 acre and the remainder on the other. It’s all family land and is one large piece. I hunt the 8-900 acre parcel and I’ve been the first to hunt that piece in probably 30-50 years. Last year was the first year and harvested 3 deer, let a lot walk. With the size of the land there is growth in all age ranges of deer bear and turkey.
Some pasture, some pines, some clear cut and some hardwood stands. On a lake. A lot of cams out and dump minerals when the season allows it. Will be putting in food plots next year this year will supplement feed at end of season for pregger does.

 

[TreeDux]

I do what I can on my 250 acres. We have good numbers of deer and good genetics. But my best stands all have stands within 400 yards, or closer, on adjacent properties. It’s very hard to break the 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 yr old barrier of “nice” 8 pointers. I have one good clover plot. I put out mineral some years. Fertilizer to some of my native mast producers. I’m generally engaged in various practices that should benefit wildlife in general. Hinge cuts in birch stand for bedding and ground cover. Mowing some stuff to maintain early successional. Not mowing other areas to keep buffer areas and fuzzy edges. Spraying hardwood out in the native herbaceous plots. Constant battles with invasive species, particularly privet. The farmer usually leaves me some standing corn/beans around some of the edges. I have great aspirations to do more but time, money, and doing it as a one man show are all limiting factors.

 

[TreeDux]

reading this thread has taught me... I NEED MORE MONEY!!!! Interesting thoughts though in the end you do the best with what you can afford, and with what will work in your immediate area. Blister beetles grasshoppers and army worms have me convinced that alfalfa for the deer may not be something I can manage, though the deer loved it at the critical time of early spring.

Curious if you guys who feed mineral have noticed huge differences in usage in what appear to be similar feeding spots? I have two a mile apart both in heavy cover. One gets hit 5x more than the other after 3 years Im thinking of just letting the one leech away and giving them what they want where they obviously want it.

My buck/doe ratio is amazing in summer with 12-30 bucks per evening this summer, seldom more than 5-10 girls, fawns almost none. I think I have coyotes that are really specialising in deer catching. I plan on entering them into re-education camps this year during archery season sits as I have checked and having a rifle hanging is OK long as you bow kill has no bullet hole.

Two things are certain that one should always be learning and adapting, and it sure is fun to play on your own land.

Im thinking of baiting late winter as all the mighty nimrods pour the corn when its not really needed and then the day after gun season they pull it away just when the deer might actually get some benefit from it. As I'm anti-bait this is still a mental exercise which I have not fully digested. Leaving 10 acres of corn standing would be less hypocritical. But may not be nearly enough.

In North Carolina corn is king. When I was a kid we did exactly what you referred to by waiting until late season to use it. Very few people used corn at all and it worked. Still does. The difference now is EVERYONE is putting out corn Lots of people startin August and go until the season ends. And yes, as you said, they stop right about the time deer might really need some food. Our winter isn’t harsh but a lot of food sources are depleted by January just the same. I put out a lot of corn at a few spots. It’s expensive and time consuming but I have found that my sightings plummet at those spots without it. Generally speaking we don’t see a lot of big bucks on corn in daylight but it makes me feel like I am giving them an excuse not to wander.

 

[rookieforever33]

Another problem with corn is that once you start feeding them you need to continue. Timing to start really needs to coincide with harvest also. Ungulate digestion is not like ours. From what biologists say deer transition from one type of feed to another slowly. If you start or stop corn piles quickly it may do more harm than good.

 

[TreeDux]

Another problem with corn is that once you start feeding them you need to continue. Timing to start really needs to coincide with harvest also. Ungulate digestion is not like ours. From what biologists say deer transition from one type of feed to another slowly. If you start or stop corn piles quickly it may do more harm than good.

I’ve heard that referred to as slug feeding. It makes sense. That said, for better or worse that is what a lot of folks do. It could potentially affect nutrient uptake as they enter the new antler growth period but I have never actually seen deer exhibit obvious physical complications from corn withdrawal.

 

[S-3 ranch]

Corn is a good attraction, but is really not very nutritious for deer
Putting out a little bit to attract them in to eat whole cotton seed or something like soybeans or other high protein sources ( peanuts?) , pinto beans, ect

https://www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/sites/default/files/pdf-attachment/2016-05/january_2013.pdf

If you’re considering WCS or beans remember to supplement feed a mineral supplement! ( imo one of those must haves to raise monster level bucks)
Macronutrients
These minerals are needed in relatively large quantities for a deer's body and antler development.

• Calcium (Ca): Antler growth and overall skeletal health require significant amounts of calcium. Since many forages can be calcium-deficient, especially during the spring and summer, supplementation is important.
• Phosphorus (P): This mineral is crucial for skeletal and antler growth and is often lacking in native range land. A proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1 is recommended.
• Sodium (Na) / Salt: Deer crave and require salt, particularly in the spring and summer, to replenish lost sodium. It also helps with water retention and can be used as an attractant to encourage mineral site use.

Trace minerals
These micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts but are vital for reproductive, immune, and growth functions.

• Zinc (Zn): Supports cell production and overall immunity.
• Copper (Cu): Plays a critical role in nerve function, immunity, and muscle health. Supplementing with copper can be important in areas with chronic wasting disease concerns.
• Selenium (Se): A powerful antioxidant that contributes to a deer's overall health.
• Magnesium (Mg): Important for proper muscle and nerve function.

How to mix minerals with cottonseed
The most straightforward method is to combine loose mineral powder with the cottonseed.

1. Use a pre-mixed formula: The easiest option is to mix a commercial mineral product designed for deer with your cottonseed. Brands like Double Down or Fortified Cottonseed are specifically made for this purpose.
2. Create a DIY mix: For a custom blend, you can use a recipe like this common ratio:
   • 2 parts trace mineral salt (the loose, red kind)
   • 1 part dicalcium phosphate
   • 1 part plain stock salt
   • (Optional) Dried molasses can be added to increase palatability.
3. Mix and serve: Add the mineral mix to your cottonseed. For example, some hunters mix 10–15 pounds of mineral with 300 pounds of cottonseed. You can serve this mixture in a trough or homemade wire basket feeder.
4. Order 10-10-10 blocks from the local feed store + 1 molasses tub( per every 150-300 acres

 

[TreeDux]

Corn is a good attraction, but is really not very nutritious for deer
Putting out a little bit to attract them in to eat whole cotton seed or something like soybeans or other high protein sources ( peanuts?) , pinto beans, ect

https://www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/sites/default/files/pdf-attachment/2016-05/january_2013.pdf

If you’re considering WCS or beans remember to supplement feed a mineral supplement! ( imo one of those must haves to raise monster level bucks)
Macronutrients
These minerals are needed in relatively large quantities for a deer's body and antler development.

• Calcium (Ca): Antler growth and overall skeletal health require significant amounts of calcium. Since many forages can be calcium-deficient, especially during the spring and summer, supplementation is important.
• Phosphorus (P): This mineral is crucial for skeletal and antler growth and is often lacking in native range land. A proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1 is recommended.
• Sodium (Na) / Salt: Deer crave and require salt, particularly in the spring and summer, to replenish lost sodium. It also helps with water retention and can be used as an attractant to encourage mineral site use.

Trace minerals
These micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts but are vital for reproductive, immune, and growth functions.

• Zinc (Zn): Supports cell production and overall immunity.
• Copper (Cu): Plays a critical role in nerve function, immunity, and muscle health. Supplementing with copper can be important in areas with chronic wasting disease concerns.
• Selenium (Se): A powerful antioxidant that contributes to a deer's overall health.
• Magnesium (Mg): Important for proper muscle and nerve function.

How to mix minerals with cottonseed
The most straightforward method is to combine loose mineral powder with the cottonseed.

1. Use a pre-mixed formula: The easiest option is to mix a commercial mineral product designed for deer with your cottonseed. Brands like Double Down or Fortified Cottonseed are specifically made for this purpose.
2. Create a DIY mix:For a custom blend, you can use a recipe like this common ratio:
   • 2 parts trace mineral salt (the loose, red kind)
   • 1 part dicalcium phosphate
   • 1 part plain stock salt
   • (Optional) Dried molasses can be added to increase palatability.
3. Mix and serve: Add the mineral mix to your cottonseed. For example, some hunters mix 10–15 pounds of mineral with 300 pounds of cottonseed. You can serve this mixture in a trough or homemade wire basket feeder.
4. Order 10-10-10 blocks from the local feed store + 1 molasses tub( per every 150-300 acres

That is an impressive and very detailed regimen. I fully agree that corn doesn’t offer much in nutritional value. The deer don’t seem to understand that though. Or maybe don’t care. I routinely watch them walk through or past more nutritious offerings just to get the corn. Do you find it difficult to get them started on the cotton seed? And is that seed processed in any manner or is it straight bulk cottonseed like you might be able to purchase from a gin? In our area, that is the other side of the equation. When feeding in bulk corn is the easy button. Although sometimes we do use bulk sweet potatoes.

 

[HilltopHitman]

In Northern Minnesota, for us planting Conifer stands for bedding. Food is plentiful due to ag fields everywhere.

 

[S-3 ranch]

That is an impressive and very detailed regimen. I fully agree that corn doesn’t offer much in nutritional value. The deer don’t seem to understand that though. Or maybe don’t care. I routinely watch them walk through or past more nutritious offerings just to get the corn. Do you find it difficult to get them started on the cotton seed? And is that seed processed in any manner or is it straight bulk cottonseed like you might be able to purchase from a gin? In our area, that is the other side of the equation. When feeding in bulk corn is the easy button. Although sometimes we do use bulk sweet potatoes.

It’s just bulk from the gin , no it’s not hard to get them started, corn gives them a sour stomach just like kids do eating too much candy, so they seek out stuff to eat to make them feel better, that is why molasses and minerals, salt are important for a balanced diet
Bulk soybeans or peanuts, turnips, radishes ( though the greens/ tops contain the nutrients on radish and turnips)

 

[Reece123]

You said it best yourself "quit shooting decent bucks if you want big bucks" sure, the first year shoot the 140" to feel good and get it out of the way. But typically once you've killed one that size, you don't want to shoot the next 130 you see, you want to shoot a 160+ and it's easier to pass on the 140s. I also would have a good cull process, if your state/county allows. I would get a cull, and then once you have meat in the freezer its easier to wait out a bigger buck, even if it means waiting until next year.

 

[K9kodi]

What’s your def of a cull

 

[Long Cut]

Deer Ecology & Management Lab

The MSU Deer Lab is an educational unit of Mississippi State University. We focus on white-tailed deer research, management, and education.

www.msudeer.msstate.edu

***LINK ABOVE***

Strategic Harvest System is a phenomenal book if your goal is to grow big mature whitetails. I own it and have read it.

IF you own, lease, hunt or have access to large tracts of lands that are managed for hunting, this is the book for you.

If you own or hunt land under 1,000 acres and don’t have a Co-Op established with surrounding land owners, this is not the book for you.


-Spark Notes Version-

- Target the smaller antler scoring 3-4YO bucks in YOUR herd, verified by a Trail Camera Survey & Years of History.
I.E. If your average 3-4YO bucks antler score range is between 30-150 B&C Score, target ALL of the smallest 1/5 of the group.

Essentially what happens is the highest antler potential animals are typically killed when they’re 3-4YO and never get to express their full potential. SO, the lesser scoring animals are allowed to reach full maturity at 5-7YO, they’re dominant and run off younger bucks, eat more food, claim the best bedding areas etc…

Hope this helps

 

[K9kodi]

I’ll give it a read