No more food plots on WMA's ?

RUGER · Mar 31, 2014

It has come to my attention that TWRA has presented a proposition to the TWRC that no more grains be planted for food plots on WMAs across the state.

No corn, soybeans, milo etc. be planted.

The only thing that MIGHT be planted is clover?

I am not sure of all the reasons this is being presented but money, or the lack thereof, is one reason.
Another reason seems to be that some in TWRA think that since we didn't have food plots in the 40's then we don't need them now. More accurately, the wildlife (deer), didn't need them then so they don't need them now.

I have also heard that the TWRC is asking for input on the issue.
I have no clue where they are asking for this input, but it seems that if TWRA wanted input we would have heard about it by now?

Soooo if this is important to you, you need to email all the commision members as well as all the TWRA contacts you can find. Remember to copy several members of the commission as well as TWRA because as we all know, "email is forever" and can't be just simply ignored.

I don't hunt on WMA's but I can honestly say I don't like the direction this would turn things.

Maybe someone from TWRA could chime in on this and explain things better than I can.

I hate the fact that I can't attend all the TWRC meetings but I also don't like the fact that something like this is being talked about and being pushed by TWRA and I, as a deer hunter, is just now hearing about it.

Shed Hunter · Mar 31, 2014

I had to write a paper on this for wildlife biology class. It was focused on the Obion River WMA, but it applies for the whole state.

Food plots and agriculture are not needed on WMA's to benefit wildlife or anywhere for that matter. Agricultural fields actually do more harm than good. They are wonderful while standing, but even if the farmer leaves some for the wildlife, the harvested areas are nearly useless in terms of benefit for wildlife. Instead of having land sit unused, it is a much better idea to allow the area to grow into CRP type areas. This will save the state money and help more wildlife species. The Northern Bobwhite Quail is a prime example. The species has been in decline for many years, and the number one reason for this decline is habitat loss. It doesn't stop with quail though. Deer, turkeys, rabbits, hawks, owls, bobcat..the list goes on and on in regards to species that will benefit from this decision.

Refer to this recent thread on the subject of food plots in particular.
http://www.tndeer.com/tndeertalk/ubbthr ... w=1#UNREAD