ThinkingAfield.org

GW:  So license fees went up a bit.  Totally justifiable under the condition that the increased revenue will be used wisely.  It’s all up front.  No tricks.  Very commendable in my opinion.

Michigan’s new hunting and fishing license structure brought many opportunities to invest in Michigan’s natural resources and improve outdoor recreation opportunities. One way the Department of Natural Resources is expanding its efforts to do more for Michigan’s wildlife and hunters is through wildlife habitat grants, specifically designed to enhance food and cover for deer on private land.

Several new grant programs are now available as a result of the new license structure. The Deer PLAN (Private Land Assistance Network) is a grant available for private landowners in a six-county area of northeast Michigan, for the first time, to improve deer habitat.

“Fifty thousand dollars will be divided among the 12 successful applicants,” said DNR habitat biologist Brian Piccolo. “Fruit- and nut-bearing tree species are very popular in this area because they provide a long-term food source for deer and many other wildlife species. On-the-ground habitat work like this will provide great wildlife benefits to the region as well.” Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

After being schooled by food-plot guru, Ed Spinazzola, over eight years ago, I’ve followed his advice religiously on planting wildlife mixtures that will attract and hold deer.  Here are a few things I’ve learned in the process.

Brassica mixtures containing rape and turnips can produce mixed results.  Some hunters swear deer won’t touch the stuff and spending the money and putting in all the hard work is a total waste.  What I’ve found is that it all depends on factors such as competing cash crops in the area – especially corn.  Deer can literally live in the seclusion provided by corn – and will.

However, what happens when the corn and beans are picked?  Obviously, deer can no longer hide where the tasty corn once stood.  Oh, they may pick away at the remnants left by farmers, but when the snow and ice arrives, the ever-lessening morsels require much more energy to seek out.  Not so with brassicas.

This past miserable winter was a perfect example of why it’s smart to have annuals (must be planted each year) and perennials (come up for years), as part of any Midwest food plot strategy.  Even with deep snow, deer are able to paw their way through to get at the above-ground nourishment of turnips.  In fact, foliage from turnips and rape is often available right through spring.

Turnip in April

Plants that are not eaten will rot to provide nutrients to enrich the soil for future use.

However, with deer stress levels much higher than usual this spring, perennials such as clover, grazing alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, and chicory can give deer a running start.

Certainly, perennials can survive without care such as mowing and fertilization.  But, since you’ve spent the money prepping the soil and purchasing seed, etc. already, why not get the most out of the initial investment by taking care of it?  Clover and alfalfa love to be mowed and will be healthier for it.  Deer and other wildlife prefer the tender shoots provided by routine mowing, too. Read more

Most companies will claim a lifespan of three to five years on their perennials. However, if you care for them properly a perennial stand can last for many years. Perennials like red and white clovers, alfalfa, trefoils and chicory provide dependable nutrition and attraction and are especially important for antler growth, fawn rearing and early hunting season attraction. If you follow these words of advice you will get the most out of your perennial stand. Read more