#2001491 - 07/20/10 10:49 PM
iron weeds
|
mr.big
Non-Typical
Registered: 01/03/01
Posts: 27930
Loc: Copper Head Road
|
Offline
|
|
there is 20+ acres of hay ground surrounding my house,,I have two gardens with all kinds of stuff for deer to eat,,about an hour before dark untill dark I saw 8 different bucks 1 doe with twins come into the hayfield through the gardens ,in 3 seperate groups,,none stopped in the gardens and went straight to the knee high iron weeds coming in the fall grass,,I watched these deer for a solid hour through 10X optics,,all I saw any of those deer eat was the iron weeds,,
a spot behind the house I cleared of cedars is coming to life with underbrush,,they are wearing that out also,,
while none were big,or even had 8 points ,2 are 2.5 and one is 3.5,,mixed with the turkeys feeding,,it made me feel great to be alive and in Tn,,LOL,
_________________________
Tndeer`s resident poacher and desperate loser
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2001494 - 07/20/10 10:58 PM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: mr.big]
|
RKenney
10 Point
Registered: 03/15/08
Posts: 3633
Loc: Maury Co.
|
Offline
|
|
Is the "iron weeds" fescue? If so, I would say they were feeding on other weeds and sprouts that are mixed in with the fescue. From what I understand, certain "weeds" are a perferred and most nutritious diet for deer during the summer. Even preferred over lush food plots.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2001499 - 07/20/10 11:11 PM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: RKenney]
|
mr.big
Non-Typical
Registered: 01/03/01
Posts: 27930
Loc: Copper Head Road
|
Offline
|
|
the iron weeds are growing in the fescue and orchid grass,,it is a dark green plant with pointy leaves,,they start at the bottom and eat all the leaves off then bite the top out,,they are kinda purple lookin on the edges of the leaves.
_________________________
Tndeer`s resident poacher and desperate loser
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2001770 - 07/21/10 08:50 AM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: mr.big]
|
BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59548
Loc: Nashville, TN
|
Offline
|
|
Are you in KY mr.big? I ask because ironweed is not common in TN, but is found in KY.
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2002027 - 07/21/10 11:31 AM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: Wes Parrish]
|
Quailman
8 Point
Registered: 08/04/03
Posts: 1329
Loc: Winchester, TN
|
Offline
|
|
Let's make sure we are discussing the correct plant. Ironweed (Vernonia spp.) is a very common plant in TN and is usually found in idle pastures and hayfields, as well as areas that have recently been cleared. It tends to favor areas low in fertility but will survive in a variety of environments.
As far as deer preference, I have not seen a great deal of use from this species.
_________________________
Why work when you can hunt?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2002086 - 07/21/10 12:20 PM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: Quailman]
|
Wes Parrish
16 Point
Registered: 06/12/02
Posts: 16946
Loc: Knoxville-Dover-Union City, TN
|
Offline
|
|
Quailman,
Have any pics of the TN ironweed you could post?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2002101 - 07/21/10 12:29 PM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: Wes Parrish]
|
Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25229
Loc: TN
|
Offline
|
|
Id be interested in a pic if possible as well. Like to see if its what I think it is also.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2002184 - 07/21/10 01:16 PM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: Winchester]
|
Quailman
8 Point
Registered: 08/04/03
Posts: 1329
Loc: Winchester, TN
|
Offline
|
|
Sorry, forgot to provide pic. One of the more common species is Vernonia gigantea , commonly referred to as giant ironweed.
Ironweed
_________________________
Why work when you can hunt?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2002197 - 07/21/10 01:31 PM
Re: iron weeds
[Re: Quailman]
|
BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59548
Loc: Nashville, TN
|
Offline
|
|
Quailman,
Do you see much Vernonia in your area? I generally only see it in TN in the counties that border KY. I see it a lot in KY.
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
Moderator: RUGER, Tennessee Todd, Unicam, Cuttin Caller, CBU93, stretch, Bobby G, Outdoor Lady, TurkeyBurd
|
12102 Members
38 Forums
115522 Topics
1407513 Posts
Max Online: 756 @ 11/20/12 09:10 AM
|
|
|
The TnDeer.Com Deer Talk Forum is for Tennessee Deer Hunters by Tennessee Deer Hunters. If you enjoy using our Talk Forum and would like to contribute to help in it's up-keep. Just submit your contribution by clicking on the DONATE button below and paying with PayPal or a major credit card. Any amount is much appreciated. Thanks for your support!
|
|
|