effects of select timber cutting

[nick2720]

I have had some issues the past year and my step father decided to select cut the families property that's been the only place I have ever hunted since I was ten. saying that I had the property pretty much figured out with where deer movement occurs and where I should hunt. the "select cut" left few producing white oaks or red left for foraging and left wide logging roads with cleared landings with a lot of tops everywhere. I know the deer are still there but was unsure of really how this disturbance would effect deer specifically if big bucks would be nocturnal and not hit the open clear landings due to lack of cover. I plan on getting rye down on logging roads and still try to salvage my season. they cut the timber just before September 1st. I know in 5 years it will be thick and should be able to hold a lot of the deer due to thick cover but its hard to predict how this season will go since they did it so late in the year. now i'm just trying to make something positive out of the whole ordeal. how have timber cuttings affected deer and deer movement in yalls experiences.

 

[treefarmer]

Others will comment on your deer situation. If your step-dad has more than a few acres and didn't involve a forester in the sale I highly recommend you contact your TDOF Area Forester if you are interested in a quality forest to replace the previous quality forest. "Select Cut" usually means the logger takes the valuable trees like oaks and leaves you the low value trees such as elm, sourwood, beech, crooked trees, etc. Your area forester can't wave a wand and improve the situation but will give you free advice on your options. If your property is in Weakley County your forester is Ricky Stutts of Dresden, 731-364-3430. Low $ value usually means low deer value also. He can probably give you some pointers to improve the forest for wildlife too. If your step-dad involved a consulting forester in the sale - thank him because the forester probably marked the trees to be cut and the next forest will be high quality.

 

[Boll Weevil]

Treefarmer hit this one on the head in every regard. The term "select cut" absolutely makes me wince but I guess it's better than the term "high-graded" (which is basically what it is depending on the logger).

For this year your hunting may actually be a lot like it was in years past. They'll still use certain trails and terrain features but reliable food sources could be an issue. As regrowth begins you'll have more food, but it'll get super thick if left unmanaged which can be good cover but could also be tough to hunt.

You're probably a little bummed now but think longterm. You've got many opportunities to create (or re-create) a great piece to hunt.

 

[nick2720]

Thanks guys. Its been ruff it was may grandparents place they've owned for 60+ years its 110 acres only 25-30 wasn't upland white oaks or red. Have a degree in wildlife biology so I know of some options but stwpdad went all private consultant with cutting and marking. I did an internship with usfw aaand the manager I am friends with is actually a forester and me and him were going to cruize and mark timber but stepdad didn't want me or my friend to have a part in it . it sucks but like y'all said I'm just trying to lick wounds and plan on only bettering the property. O yeah in some places it its select cut bbut majority in my opinion is high graded he got his money he don't care what's left