Food Plots Turkey/Deer deterrent

Shanman

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Have a few new summer plots to put out this year and wanting to keep the deer and turkeys out so the plots have a chance. Thinking pie pans and cds right now, fencing isn't an option. Anyone have suggestions or experience with this situation. Had some plot failure last year due to turkeys and crows discovering the planted seed in one plot, cameras caught all the action. Season before last we planted a summer test plot and the deer left it alone until it was around 4' tall, then they wiped it out. Yes small plots aren't good for summer plots, but I've had success before, just have to get it above head high then we'll be good. Any scare tactics much appreciated.
 

JCDEERMAN

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We had a garden at our place a couple years ago that the deer started hitting. We made a scare crow and we found that the secret was to move the scare crow to different locations every weekend we were there, so the deer would never get used to it, as it was always in a different spot. If I remember correctly, we also sprayed different types of detergents on the scare crow to keep the scent continuously changing. It seemed to have helped. We named him Clay :p. Best of luck!
 

JCDEERMAN

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Hey - a 1x4x8, several screws, an old shirt that needs to be thrown away and some old pants that don't fit anymore times 7 and you're good 🤣
 

Shanman

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Loudon Co., Tn
Hey - a 1x4x8, several screws, an old shirt that needs to be thrown away and some old pants that don't fit anymore times 7 and you're good 🤣
So my favorite most comfy clothes? My wife would be ecstatic. 😆
I actually found some holographic tape online that sounds, at least in the video, thicker or more rigid than that used for wrapping gifts. Going to give it a try along with some pie pans.
 

JCDEERMAN

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So my favorite most comfy clothes? My wife would be ecstatic. 😆
I actually found some holographic tape online that sounds, at least in the video, thicker or more rigid than that used for wrapping gifts. Going to give it a try along with some pie pans.

I bet that would work! Just as long as they don't get used to it. Let us know - we want a good sunflower field for doves and to keep the deer away and I'll be looking for answers as well
 

bigtex

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Jun 6, 2004
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Brush Creek
I use fertilizer bags and tie them with a string onto a small tree limb. The slightest breeze will get them swinging.
They have to be moved around every couple of days though as the critters will get accustomed to them.
 

BSK

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Mar 11, 1999
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Nashville, TN
Sadly, I have found NOTHING that will keep hungry deer out of newly sprouted plots, short of electric fencing. The key is to make sure there are other early growing season foods available so the deer aren't so hungry!
 

Shanman

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Mar 15, 2007
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Loudon Co., Tn
You guys were right, the deer got use to the holographic tape and pie pans. I do believe they helped keep the turkeys from scratching all the seed out at the start. Had one plot where the wind brought down all of the tape/pans, and the turkeys cleaned up most of the seed. Found out that black trotline cord from Walmart absolutely WILL NOT hold a knot, at least dry it won't. Another thing I discovered was that if you tie your pie pans up close to the tree trunk, you get a loud audible during a breeze. Will definitely use them again at sewing, but once plant material is up and established I will take them down. Just wanted to give an update in case others were wondering how they worked out.
 

hitek

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Oct 13, 2009
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29
Location
North Alabama
I used milorganite for the past 2 years to help get the seed out of the ground. It seemed to help for a couple weeks (depending on amount of rainfall). It is the only way I have actually been able to get beans over a 12" tall on our place. They were devoured shortly after 3 weeks of growth. Not sure if it would have helped to put out more.
 

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