Hey Dr. Woods ! This summer’s program of posts, blogs and shows on GrowingDeer.tv have really been fantastic. The release of the research by MSU on nutrition vs genetics was truly great. In 2012, I asked you the “Top Ten” question about managing land for producing mature, huntable deer. Back then, you were certainly promoting Antler Dirt – well more than in the past year – year and a half. So let’s consider the issue noted by MSU regarding the soil nutrient characteristics associated with quality forage. Could we say perhaps that your investment in Antler Dirt soil modification is a part of the better production in some of the PG’s food plots? With the coffin being closed on the genetics to size issue, how might you rate the land manager’s cost-benefit options on increasing nutrients and nutrition through soil modifications, such as antler dirt, versus no-till practices which generate greater organic composition, or improved forage products such as the latest in forage soybeans which have greatly increased N2 nodule growth, or tree plots which may return mast year after year – versus simply using supplemental feeding practices like pelletized feeders? (Mind you , I do not advocate putting out a few dozen tubs of pellets or corn across the property!) The MSU study and your Proving Grounds indicate it’s a long term investment (including trigger management) of 3 to 5 years to see the first ROI of better quality deer. Where might the best early investments be made – besides the trigger?
Dan,
I don’t believe there is a magic bean – or one secret to producing quality bucks. In areas with lots of production ag (soybeans and corn) deer typically have had access to quality forage for generations. The toughest part of managing deer in such areas is allowing bucks to reach maturity as the local farmers are insuring soil and forage quality is good.
In areas where there are no row crops, deer managers must work to improve soil and forage quality as part of improving the local herd’s quality. Usually if there are no row crops in an area the soil is poor to too steep, etc. In such areas results will be achieved quicker if the soil is improved by adding Antler Dirt or another quality fertilizer and using conservation soil management practices such as no-till, etc.
Antler Dirt certainly improved the soil quality at my farm. However, the results wouldn’t have been as quick if I’d used conventional tillage through the years.
There’s rarely a magic bullet solution to any problem. Rather there are proven principles that can be applied and this is true with habitat and deer management also!
grant
