I live in north Idaho and we have the same problem of an early first frost. But we also have very little summer rainfall so most annuals like brassicas are not an option here. We normally get our first substantial fall rains at the same time as our average first frost in mid September. The only annuals that seem to work here that actually will be green by hunting season are cereals like wheat and especially rye. However i have also been researching perennials that can grow in these conditions and be green and productive during the hunting season. I'm now experimenting with two lesser known forages that I think could help create great fall food plots under our tough conditions. They are Cicer Milkvetch and Crownvetch. Both are supposed to stay green through at least early winter and both are spreading legumes with strong rhizomes that are very resistant to overbrowsing and supposedly they will spread and thicken over time. I planted both of these for the first time this year so I'm excited to see how they will turn out.
Yeah seems to be doing well. It does seem to take a few years to establish and doesnt like competition the first year which I think I made a mistake with by mixing it with alfalfa and clover.
Those Brassicas look great! I planted mine July 26 and they are no where near that size yet! The deer are starting to hit my food plot now! When did you plant those Brassicas? Great job!
We have plenty of deer, but our bucks aren’t putting on much antler growth between their 3rd and 4th years. So we’ve decided nutrition is probably the factor there. So we are plotting to do some plotting
The rye would compete w the clover. Is the clover thick and coming up well? You could always add the rye seed to it then the following year roller crimp it over the clover
So, tell us the truth, almost a month away. Starting to feel that blood pressure rise, getting pumped yet? Lol. You must have a lot of vacation time coming to be able to hunt all them different areas? I'm jealous! Lol
Yeah me too! Hunting stateland. Mostly. Have ten of my own. Farmers plant a crop across the street, just for the deer. But I've noticed the last few years, some of the big boys hang out on my property or property line. Paying more attention to that this year. And will set up a blind or two. But my heart lies in the state land. That's where I learned and first started this adventure. That's where I get that special feeling during the deer season. Good luck my friend! Something tells me you'll do just fine 😌
Oops, reckon I should clarify a little.I live in the country. Moved 30 years ago from the City, 200 mi away. Wouldn't live anywhere else. Country living that is. Best thing I ever did.
Hey Folks! Winter is coming- if you need to protect young trees from deer browse you can order Browse Blockers here: www.browseblocker.com/
good points you make... Looking at your rye, I would add another 100 lbs of seed based on the bare dirt I see....IMHO. Good luck with your season.
Yep- you at right on. I’m just waiting for a rain to time it with . Been so dry here
I live in north Idaho and we have the same problem of an early first frost. But we also have very little summer rainfall so most annuals like brassicas are not an option here. We normally get our first substantial fall rains at the same time as our average first frost in mid September. The only annuals that seem to work here that actually will be green by hunting season are cereals like wheat and especially rye. However i have also been researching perennials that can grow in these conditions and be green and productive during the hunting season. I'm now experimenting with two lesser known forages that I think could help create great fall food plots under our tough conditions. They are Cicer Milkvetch and Crownvetch. Both are supposed to stay green through at least early winter and both are spreading legumes with strong rhizomes that are very resistant to overbrowsing and supposedly they will spread and thicken over time. I planted both of these for the first time this year so I'm excited to see how they will turn out.
I love the experimentation. Does it seem to be growing well so far?
Yeah seems to be doing well. It does seem to take a few years to establish and doesnt like competition the first year which I think I made a mistake with by mixing it with alfalfa and clover.
Those Brassicas look great! I planted mine July 26 and they are no where near that size yet! The deer are starting to hit my food plot now! When did you plant those Brassicas? Great job!
Thanks! I planted mine on July 16th. I’ve found if I wait until end of July or early august they don’t reach full size where I’m at.
We have plenty of deer, but our bucks aren’t putting on much antler growth between their 3rd and 4th years. So we’ve decided nutrition is probably the factor there. So we are plotting to do some plotting
Ha- I like that. “Plot your success”
I have an existing clover plot in the middle of ag. He plot is only 1 yr old so not super thick. Would rye grow and get shaded out?
The rye would compete w the clover. Is the clover thick and coming up well? You could always add the rye seed to it then the following year roller crimp it over the clover
@northernforestwhitetail not super thick as still trying to bring the ph back up. I'm looking to diversify a little this winter.
So, tell us the truth, almost a month away. Starting to feel that blood pressure rise, getting pumped yet? Lol.
You must have a lot of vacation time coming to be able to hunt all them different areas? I'm jealous! Lol
Big woods on public land plus some food plots on private land- it’s a fun combo. I’m stoked!
Yeah me too! Hunting stateland. Mostly. Have ten of my own. Farmers plant a crop across the street, just for the deer. But I've noticed the last few years, some of the big boys hang out on my property or property line. Paying more attention to that this year. And will set up a blind or two. But my heart lies in the state land. That's where I learned and first started this adventure. That's where I get that special feeling during the deer season. Good luck my friend! Something tells me you'll do just fine 😌
Oops, reckon I should clarify a little.I live in the country. Moved 30 years ago from the City, 200 mi away. Wouldn't live anywhere else. Country living that is. Best thing I ever did.