Food Plot Basics

[big-triple-d]

Thinking about putting out a round bale of alfalfa at each of the farms (40 & 60 acres). I broke up a square bale at each feeder site two weeks ago and sprinkled them with sweet feed. Any thoughts on how the round bale will work or should I just stay with the square bales?

 

[Deer Slayer]

Triple-d - What have the deer done in the last 2 weeks with the square bale? Is it consumed yet????? I need a wee bit more information.

 

[big-triple-d]

When I was out there last week I look like they were eating it. My fear is will they eat it in bale form. I flaked out the square bales so it would be easier to eat. I have never heard of someone just putting out a round bale. I will head out to the 40 later today and will have so more information.

 

[Deer Slayer]

okay, I am curious what you find.

 

[big-triple-d]

Looks like about 1/2 the hay is gone. I have pics of deer nosing around in it. I think this weekend I will do another bale and bag of all grain mix at each farm. The feeders are about out so I will consolidate to one feeder and alfalfa hay and grain mix at each farm until the spring green up. Hopefully we will have rain this year and I can get some food plots put in.

 

[dennishoddy]

I have heard all of the reported story's of deer gorging on molasses. Works great for cattle, but putting out some alfalfa square bales in my area, gets no results. I've poured the molasses on the alfalfa bales that have been broken open, and saw no results of deer eating them.

Again, I'll say that what happens in my area that is covered in agriculture, may not happen in areas that are heavily wooded with little food other than browse.

 

[Swine]

I did a test this past season with 5 piles of corn.... poured different liquid bait attractants on each one and watched. Nothing would touch the molasses. Funny thing was what they did eat first and the most was PIGOUT. Of course the hogs ate everything.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

I have my soil sample results back. Middle of March I will spread fertilizer and soil amendments and work the ground. Then in April plant my food plots. Right now I am laying out my new plot areas to figure square footage for fertilizer rates and seeding rates. I will also be deciding what I will plant.

 

[Deer Slayer]

Atta boy!!! Dusty. My deer are in fine shape with lots of high protein and I will soon be doing the same. It is time for the antlers to start dropping AND time to get your mineral licks freshened. The does are pregnant and they need the extra mineral to build healthy fawns after last years drought. Get -R- DUN.

 

[Deer Slayer]

It is time to put out your deer mineral. The does are starting to need the mineral for her developing fawn. The bucks need the mineral to help with their rack.