My Deer Plot

[Ultradog MN]

This is a photo of what Should be a deer
plot.
I plowed and disced this in May but didn't
plant anything cause last year the same
weeds came up and totally crowded out my
plot mix.
So now I need some advice. I bought a 25
gal sprayer and jug of glyphosphate.
Was going to spray it in a week or two.
Should I mow it first then wait a week and
spray?
Should I mow it off and just plow and disc
it again in a month?
Spray a couple of times?
Forget the spraying?
My plan is to put winter rye here this
year. This is the little plot in the
backyard. My larger plot shows the same
kind of over growth.
And I gotta control the weeds for next
year too.
Thanks.

 

[terry/mich]

ud i would brushog it or if you have a riding lawnmower that mulches that would help break it down better. then spray, wait a week and spray again. then wait another week and plow and disc. do you plan on spreading lime and fertilizer? winter rye will grow without it in most cases. here in central mich we plant winter rye on labor day weekend. i just started prepping for my turnip, radish and kale plot. mulched it then used my friends kubota and his 5ft rototiller . makes for a great clean seed bed. i will spray this plot for the next 2 weeks. then fertilize and lime and broadcast my seeds 1st week of aug. i watch the weather and plant just before it rains.

 

[BigDanT]

I'm going do to the same thing as you in a few weeks for a new plot I'm making. I will spray it, mow it, then burn it off. Will make turning over a lot easier. Can't wait to use my new 10-156 plow, ground should be soft enough for some time around here with all the rain. More than likely just plant a cover like rye and turnips this fall then go with corn next spring. I like corn and beans because I can spray them with round up and not worry about the weeds. Only problem is it's the only corn around and they won't leave it alone, keep it clipped off so I only end making ears on 2/3 of what I plant.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

Dogman-
We are pretty much in the same climate...so, at this point in time I suggest to spray with Round-Up or equivalent and let weeds die off for a good month or longer. Plan on discing up on or about Labor Day but not after last week in September. Rye is my go-to fall food for my plots, wheat, rape, second. Everything else has shown no interest by the deer. I've tried corn, brassicas, clover, et al to no avail. All trial and error over the past 20 years or longer. The rye will grow to a few inches tall by late November when it goes dormant but the deer will still paw thru the snow to get it. The other foods, once the frost hits them ,the deer won't touch. The rye stays nice and luscious green. This is hinges on acorn crops and other natural foods they prefer above anything else but when those are not around, the rye fields will be like an ice cream parlor with birthday cake to them. Best to spray twice a year too to keep weeds in check -spring and fall and that can get pricey if you have multiple acres to plant.


Tim

 

[R Geiger]

What are Deer plots used for? Being from Oregon, we do not use that term and do not raise crops to feed or attract deer for hunting or for any other reason.
Nothing attracts deer better than a few apple trees.

 

[terry/mich]

(quoted from post at 08:30:23 07/16/17)
What are Deer plots used for? Being from Oregon, we do not use that term and do not raise crops to feed or attract deer for hunting or for any other reason.
Nothing attracts deer better than a few apple trees.

plots are used to bring deer into my property so i can shoot them and watch my neighbors whine about it, its pretty funny to watch these guys. we have rules on baiting here, i think its two 5 gal bucket at a time. what has worked well for me is the 3 acres of alfalfa, 1 acre of brassicas mix and about 15 apple trees.

 

[RobCons]

R. Geiger in lots of areas deer plots are big business. They are used to attract and hold deer (plus other wildlife) in an area. With intensive managing trophy deer can be the result. Some people specialize in planting them and managing land for other people or clubs. The seed industry love it. Several companies have blends of seeds they sell for deer, turkey, dove, etc. Rabbits and such are also drawn in with the right blends.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Thanks Terry. I'm thinking I will hit it
with the brush mower then let it dry for a
few days. Maybe take the York rake and pull
the 'hay' into piles to burn. Then spray.
Wait a week or two and spray again if
needed. This is just a tiny (60' x150') plot
behind the house up there. The lady who
rents from me complained about having so
much lawn to mow so I plowed it under and
made a plot a few years ago. Now the deer
come in and she likes to see them from the
kitchen window. Win/win My main plot is
about 250 yds from there. About an acre. It
is also overgrown like this one is.
Even a tiny plot like this one really brings
them in.
Thanks to all who replied. 111 days till the
opener here

 

[steve19438]

mine probably looks the same or worse. have not been to cabin since first week of may because of an eye injury.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Sorry about the eye. Will there be any long term issues?
I haven't been up much this summer either. Buisy.

 

[steve19438]

basically I had a "floater" the size of lake superior explode in my eye. supposed to drain on its own but it is taking forever. btw: driving with one eye aint no fun. hence no cabin trip lately.

 

[Hobo,NC]

I would spray it and do what every I wanted to do with it the next day... Are mow it then spray and plow it under the next day... 2 hours and roundup has been absorbed into the roots... :wink: Its gonna die on top of the ground are under the ground... I am tired of pop'N them and hauling them off I have a guy that plans on pop'N them and eat'N them so gonna plant some Rye to help out with his luck...