Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Growing Booners
Growing Booners
By: Kyle Bors
Food plots are an essential tool in growing and maintaining a healthy deer heard. They provide deer with nutrients during crucial months, whether it be during antler development in the spring or to food supply during winter months after a grueling rut. Another time that is often over looked by many hunters is late summer. A late summer food plot will incorporate above average forage to finish out antler development, as well as provide the does with quality milk for the fawns born later in the year and adequate amount of it.
The local browse in many areas of the country lack specific minerals and nutrients you can provide with a food plot. A mineral supplement such as a “Trophy Rock” can be added to your management plan as well. A mature antler contains up to 11 minerals, two of which (calcium and phosphorus) make up about 33 percent. In areas that lack these important minerals you will be able to recognize a difference in overall development in antler and body size. I would not recommend a regular salt block do to the fact that all you’re providing is salt, which lacks nutritional value. With a “Trophy Rock” there are over 50 different minerals to provide your deer.
Planting a food plot is going to cost a few dollars, so before jumping into it consult a local wildlife biologist for a little assistance. You will enjoy watching your deer filter in and out of the buffet you have laid out for them. Maintain a year around supply of forage and minerals and you will notice a difference in the coming years. Best of luck to you and your new deer diner and keep in mind, results will not happen over night.
By: Kyle Bors
Food plots are an essential tool in growing and maintaining a healthy deer heard. They provide deer with nutrients during crucial months, whether it be during antler development in the spring or to food supply during winter months after a grueling rut. Another time that is often over looked by many hunters is late summer. A late summer food plot will incorporate above average forage to finish out antler development, as well as provide the does with quality milk for the fawns born later in the year and adequate amount of it.
The local browse in many areas of the country lack specific minerals and nutrients you can provide with a food plot. A mineral supplement such as a “Trophy Rock” can be added to your management plan as well. A mature antler contains up to 11 minerals, two of which (calcium and phosphorus) make up about 33 percent. In areas that lack these important minerals you will be able to recognize a difference in overall development in antler and body size. I would not recommend a regular salt block do to the fact that all you’re providing is salt, which lacks nutritional value. With a “Trophy Rock” there are over 50 different minerals to provide your deer.
Planting a food plot is going to cost a few dollars, so before jumping into it consult a local wildlife biologist for a little assistance. You will enjoy watching your deer filter in and out of the buffet you have laid out for them. Maintain a year around supply of forage and minerals and you will notice a difference in the coming years. Best of luck to you and your new deer diner and keep in mind, results will not happen over night. 0 Comments: