October is finally here and to many that means that weekends will soon be filled with football and hunting. In recent weeks many of you have planned, began prep work, or planted a cool season food plot. Keep in mind that a properly managed area can provide most of the food needed for wildlife during the winter months. However, since many of our properties are not close enough to manage or they are seasonal use properties, we must supplement the food offered during the late season.
Soil sampling is something that should be done to ensure that you have the correct food (fertilizer) for the plant to survive and if you need to correct a pH problem (ex. lime). We have several options for cool season planting such as oats, rye, wheat, winter peas, vetch, and several clovers. Most of your wildlife plantings in a bag will be a mixture of some of the above. After you have prepared the property you want to plant either broadcast or drill in the amount of seed you want according to the seed label or Extension resources.
The most important thing to do once you have planted is add a wildlife exclusion cage. I would recommend doing this even if you have already planted. These cages protect the forage enabling us to see if the forage is being used as a feed or if the plants are not growing properly. During the years where the acorn crop is plentiful wildlife will use supplemental food as much as any other year. To find more information about supplemental feedings and whitetail deer visit msudeerlab.com.
And remember while hunting this season follow all rules and regulations set by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks. Remember to help keep yourself, friends, and family members safe by always using a safety harness when climbing a tree and wearing hunters orange during any firearm season.
