The property that I have permission to hunt is about 100 acres of fields and small wood patched
The fields are planted mostly in tomatoes but depending on the year will also have corn or soybeans
In between two fields and a bunch of woods, is a 1/2 acre field that is never planted. It grows wild grasses, weeds or whatever is native or blown in from the other fields. There are a few deer trails that cross this field but the area does not have much of a population.. a few here, a few there type place
I am allowed to plant whatever I want in that space knowing that I will not have access to irrigation or any means to work the area except with hand tools
That being said.. two questions
is there anything I can just toss out there that will grow and attract either doves or deer?
is it worth the effort?
How far is it from where you live?
How far is it from where you live?
Just under an hour
"is there anything I can just toss out there that will grow and attract either doves or deer?" Tough call. Others may have better suggestions but I like wheat and corn.
I am watching the acorn crop to see the impact of this seesaw weather. If the acorn crop suffers then you definitely want something planted or a big feeder full of corn with a timer on it since you are an hour away.
Since the area has a limited population I would get a big feeder and get the does coming regularly. The rest will take care of itself.
Milo and millet for doves are easy to grow and will grow if you just broadcast it. Cinnamon clover and red clover as well as turnips, rape and radishes for deer will also grow by just broadcasting it.
WGF Sorghum or Brown top millet would be good for the spring and summer. Wheat or rye grain would work for the fall and winter.
Milo and a triple blend clover would be ideal for doves and deer. Pretty low maintenance. This page on FB talks Hunting/habitat/food plots:
Also put some plastic cement tubs as small water holes around your stands. Makes a big difference if water is scarce.
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Thanks everyone
There are four ponds within 500 yards
Deer love soybeans! I would find a deer trail leading from the woods into the soybean field. Set up at least 50 yards back. Big boys tend to stay back and become nocturnal until the famous RUT starts. Works very good during bow season. Deer cameras are awesome to invest in to see what you have running around on the property. Good luck!
Cow peas. No bigger than the area is you can use a little hand-held spreader. Just rake them in a little. Wait to middle/late August. I've seen them lying down in it eating. :wtg:
That's what we use in places where the soil isn't great(sandy), still grows well.
Of course its worth it to plant something. Go to Southern States and buy a couple different types of clover and plant it this fall. Check this link out it is very informative.
http://www.habitat-talk.com/index.php?threads/the-throw-n%E2%80%99-mow-method.5510/