Tennessee Wildlife Magazine Food Plot Article

[doubledownranch]

I got the new Fall 2011 Tennessee Wildlife magazine in the mail today. (the one that comes with the sportsman license)

There is an interesting article on page 30 about food plots for wildlife. Have any of you guys read it? If not, check it out. What does anyone think about it? It has an interesting viewpoint on food plots for wildlife. Especially soybeans.

 

[Quailman]

I read the article myself and know the author. I agree with some of it and disagree with parts of it as well.

 

[doubledownranch]

My farm is 13% food plots, but I think the authors main focus is to allow natural browse and not become consumed with food plots. I believe a balanced (mostly natural) habitat is what people need to focus on. But I'm not biologist, and actually pretty new to wildlife habitat managing. Reguardless, I thought the article was good.

 

[Quailman]

My farm is 13% food plots, but I think the authors main focus is to allow natural browse and not become consumed with food plots. I believe a balanced (mostly natural) habitat is what people need to focus on. But I'm not biologist, and actually pretty new to wildlife habitat managing. Reguardless, I thought the article was good.

Very well stated doubledownranch and I agree completely. There is too much emphasis being placed on food plots as the key to improving your property for wildlife, when that couldn't be further from the truth. Food plots (if used) should only be there to compliment and support your native habitat.

To effectively manage for most wildlife species, you must first focus on providing cover (nesting, fawning, brood-rearing, bedding, etc.). If you manage the habitat effectively through old field management, TSI, herbicides, disturbance practices, etc, food should not be a limiting factor and food plots most likely won't be needed.

 

[Football Hunter]

Hmmmm,wonder why I dont get that magazine?

Another point,Im great at creating crappy weeds and grasses that deer dont like,will beinteresting to see what my logging brings next spring and summer,hopefully poke weed.

Noticed while I was bushhogging a plot the other day,very little,maybe 10% had been browsed,mostly stuff they dont like.

But they eat my clover to the ground,its carpet out side the cage,8" or so in side the cage.

 

[BSK]

Haven't read the article, but I agree whole-heartedly with Quailman. Too many hunters think food plots ARE habitat management. Food plots can be a powerful habitat management tool, but they are one of the last tools I would consider using due to their cost. I want the local deers' food budget to be completely met by natural forage. Food plots should be thought of as purely "bonus" food.