food plots are gone!

[762hunter]

I have 3 plots out at my place that we have been managing for the past 4 years.

Last year we let it go and just let the clover spread.

Now they are WAY over grown and are near boob high while standing.

What would you do?

Bush hog is down?
Round up it?

looking to get it back in shape again for this winter.

What and when would you do what to it?

 

[richmanbarbeque]

Go fishing and visit again in August.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Go fishing and visit again in August.

Funny, but true.

762hunter, I had the same thing happen to me last year, and I did just this.

 

[BigGameGuy]

Sounds like the plots are flourishing! Leave them be. Rich and JC are right on.

 

[Football Hunter]

sounds like good advice,as long as its not grass thats boob high

 

[CoastieHunter]

I'd leave them. BUT there is a LOT to be said about that highth. Being that high you will only see the head of the deer. Thus not giving you a good look on body size.

Here's what I would do.

Bush hog lanes!

1. I would do a complete circle around the entire field, thus giving you/atv's/trucks access.

2. I would cut a couple lanes from the blinds so you could catch the deer with a good shot.

Just my .02c

 

[richmanbarbeque]

Good idea CoastieHunter, A hub-n-spoke design is one of my favorites. It helps with day time activity as well.

 

[Football Hunter]

Good idea CoastieHunter, A hub-n-spoke design is one of my favorites. It helps with day time activity as well.

I agree

 

[CoastieHunter]

Gotta look at it like this.

Your in the woods to deer hunt, but there is also something to be said about other wildlife that with Clover that high you will NEVER see.

Turkey (they won't even venture in a field like that because you took away their most survival tool... sight)

You won't see birds in the field, coons, squirrels, etc...

PLUS - Deer LOVE fresh cut greens. yeah they like the tops but I can't tell you how many times I've seen a field bushhogged and the next night there are 20+ deer going at it. Heck makes the foodplot already 1/2 chewed for them!

 

[T-Bone]

Might want to wait a few weeks now if you bush hogg. We did it last year about this time and field was full of babies of all kind..deer and turkey. We quit and left it alone for a while and cut it later. Let them get big enough to get out of the way.

 

[Boone 58]

Bush hog now
Bush hog again in early aug and then disk and lay until time to plant in sept. disk again in sept and drag and plant.
you need to eliminate as much of the weed buildup now so it will make it somewhat easier in the fall.