This is a cliché we hear a lot related to the value of real estate. While it is often publicized for property; it also holds true for the value of wildlife food plots. While deer season has been out a few months it is not too soon to start thinking about next season.
The three aspects in wildlife management are
food(natural or man-made), water, and shelter. Typically the closer these are in relation to one another and your food plot, the better. These features can be narrowed down by looking at a forest management map. Deer tend to like vertical structure for shelter in their habitat. Vertical structure refers to “vegetation layers” within the habitat, ranging from smallest plants on the forest floor to the vines, shrubs, understory, to mature trees. This can be found along the edges of fields and forest as well as within a forest where there has been disturbance such as ice or wind damage.
When determining where to put food plots it is best to put them near natural movement corridors - where wildlife naturally moves between food, water, and shelter. In order to determine these corridors, take a look at the ground and note the well-traveled trails.
Over the next few weeks we will discuss more of the factors that should be considered in determining the location of your food plot.
If you need more information about creating wildlife plots or other forest management advice: email us at info@caseyandcompany.com or call the office at 336-838-5766.
