Finding Deer Bedding Areas

Finding deer bedding areas is key to being able to predict deer movement within your property. There are a couple ways of doing so, depending on if you're looking for doe or bucks, as they typically have seperate core areas, and thus bedding areas.

If you're searching for does; which would be a great way to go about it for hunting during the rut, when bucks come searching for does in their core areas, your best bet is to locate key food sources that will be maturing during or slightly before the rut. Once you locate these sources; take time to find the major travel corridors to and from these areas. Following these trails will typically lead you to the bedding areas. It is best to do your scouting well before the hunting season; even if these crops are not yet yielding, as the deer will likely be using these sources later in the season. Doing so will ensure that you are not disrupting the deer movement close to the rut, as this could cause them to change their feeding habits for the near-term, meaning your efforts are wasted.

On the other hand, if you're searching for bucks; which would be better when preparing for pre- and post-rut hunts, you're going to want to focus on finding the buck's core areas, as they will be living primarily solitary lives during this time. To find their core areas, you need to locate heavy scrape activity in close vicinity to thick cover. Thus, your best bet is to locate the heavy cover areas on your property and then search for sign near these areas.

It is important to understand that the bedding areas are where deer feel safest; thus, you need to minimize your hunting pressure on them. Deer have upwards of five main bedding areas that they utilize based on wind direction and stress factors (ie. hunter pressure), which means that if you put too much pressure on one area; they're likely to move to other areas and avoid that area. Hunting these areas more than one day a week could cause deer to become nervous about the area and vacate it; thus it is important to be vigilant about controlling your scent and minimizing your impact on the area when you do enter it. That means not cutting easily recognizable shooting lanes, also.

When hunting the bedding areas, it is extremely important to get into the areas in the early morning before the deer do; as entering the after the deer can be very tricky and can easily spook the deer. As the morning wears on, the deer will return to their bedding areas, meaning you need to be in your stand before they do.

Overall, bedding areas present unique hunting opportunities, especially when used in conjunction with feeding areas; but caution has to be taken to ensure a successful outing.

Tree of the Week - American Beech

The American Beech tree is a deciduous hardwood, which produces strong timber and valuable mast in the form of beech nuts. For the sake of this article, the production of this tree for timber will be excluded; as it is a slow-growing tree, at less than 12" in crown growth per year, with a stumpage value of a mere $50 per MBF, making it an unfavorable timber species, although it makes a great fuel wood. That said, beech nuts are a highly valuable fall mast crop, attracting a wide variety of game species from ruffed grouse to black bear, and everything in between.

Managing Beech trees is purely a decision regarding the economic goals of the landowner. Beech should not be considered a highly valuable timber species, but it is of great value to wildlife. Choosing between other mast producers, Beech would be at the bottom of the list; comparable to White Oak in growth rate; with a smaller mast yield and timber that is worth a third of that of White Oak (which is, in turn, a third as valuable as Red Oak and Black Cherry). Thus, if a property has a strong White Oak representation; it would be best to remove the Beech to help release the White Oak, encouraging more natural regeneration. The same goes for Red Oak and Black Cherry, considering their fast growth rates and high timber values. However, on a property overrun by Beech trees; it would be of the best interest of the landowner to retain the species; perform some pre-commercial thinnings to remove the trees of little value and then replant the released land with some commercially-valuable, mast-producing species.

The one main benefit, and also danger, of American Beech is it's shade tolerance. Being much more shade tolerant than other species; it is a great successional planting, providing great cover to wildlife in its younger age. However, it can also become disastrous if not managed properly; as it can consume an entire forest floor, meaning if there are valuable timber species growing and regenerating alongside Beech, they will likely be choked out by the lack of sunlight and competition for nutrients. That means that once the valuable sawlog-sized species are removed, one could end up with natural regeneration of low-value, slow growing Beech. Another drawback to this situation is the shallow root system of Beech trees, which will undoubtedly reduce the moisture available to species with deeper root systems.

That all said, American Beech would be a very niche tree; only allowed if it makes up a large portion of the species composition. Otherwise; one would be better to opt for other, more valuable mast producers, as they would allow for a more balanced long-term species composition, while creating more value from a timber production perspective.

Timber Rating: D

Mast Rating: B+

Overall Rating: C

Predator Management

Managing coyotes and other predators is a key component to the long-term health of the target managed species, as high predation levels can limit the population size of a herd well below the land's carrying capacity.

The most important thing to understand is that predators are going to exist on your land whether or not you want them to. In fact, heavy hunting pressure can only worsen the infestation; as it can kick in a natural defense mechanism in which they breed more often with more young per litter; exponentially increasing your problem. Thus, the most one can do is limit the risk of predation. For the sake of this article; attention will be focused on whitetail deer; as they are the most commonly managed game species.

Limiting predation risk revolves around two key concepts; habitat management and population balance. In regards to habitat management; the key importance here is to ensure that deer always have an easy means to escape. This can be especially important in food plots; where the deer are exposed and easily seen, versus in a wooded area where spotting and approaching them is more difficult. As mentioned in the earlier post regarding food plots; it is very important to locate them with at least one side of the plot being adjacent to a thick coniferous area that will serve as great cover and provide easily accessible escape routes. Not only will this encourage the use of the food plots, as the deer will feel safe, which will ultimately build the health of the herd, but it will also ensure fewer easy meals for hungry coyotes and an overall healthier herd.

Maintaining the proper sex balance is equally important; as it will put into action one of the whitetail deer's best natural defense mechanisms, predator swamping. By ensuring that there is at most two does for every buck (with an ideal ratio of 1:1); land managers can help to reduce the predation on fawns in the following birthing season. The reasoning behind this is simple; if all does are bred on or near the same date once the rut hits, they will also be given birth to on or near the same date. This will result in more fawns than the local coyote population can possibly consume; resulting in a larger proportion of the fawns living past the critical first year. Conversely, if there are three or more doe per buck, breeding may take place over two periods; the peak rut and then a month later during the secondary rut, where any unbred does will be bred. Such a situation will allow for predators to hunt fawns over a longer time period; resulting in a higher mortality rate.

Ensuring the population is balanced revolves around the management of the deer herd. The important factor here is the harvesting of does. In many areas; bucks are harvested more readily than does, leading to an inherently unbalanced herd, which can cause predation to run rampant. Thus, land managers should encourage the taking of does as well, through providing free or low-cost access to the land for a pool of hunters willing to take does. Of course, the land manager will need to carefully assess how many does will need to be taken during the season through a population study prior to the season, as too large of a harvest can cause the following birthing period to be weak. The land manager could recommend the venison be donated to the local venison donation coalition to provide food to shelters, ensuring that nothing is wasted in the process of rebalancing the herd.

Lastly, while I spoke earlier against hunting predators as a means to reduce their population, by no means am I against it. Hunting them can be a great tool in your arsenal to combat high predation rates; however, it should not be your only tool. Used as a secondary tool, hunting can help reduce or stabilize predator populations, which can help aid the long-term success of your deer herd.

Tree of the Week - Wild Black Cherry

Wild black cherry is one of the most valuable timber trees, and also one of the most valued by wildlife. The trees produce masses of soft mast, which is consumed by everything from song birds to bears, while they are highly valued in the lumber and wood working industries; bringing in upwards of $600 per MBF, currently.

The mast is dropped in late August through September and is a magnet for a wide variety of wildlife; with trees being visited virtually daily until the fruit is gone. While there is little hunting that can be done this time of year; it does present a great opportunity for one to monitor their wildlife.

One major area of concern is the potential toxicity of black cherry; with the ability to kill large game, such as whitetail deer. Wilted leaves of wild black cherry, and most other cherries, for that matter, are dangerous and need to be managed carefully. Black cherry leaves while green and growing are no danger, and the risk with leaves dying off in the fall are also no major concern. The area of concern lies in leaves that are wilted on broken or fallen limbs; as these are the leaves that contain dangerous levels of cyanide; in fact, one study concluded that a mere two ounces of these leaves deliver a toxic dose of cyanide to whitetail deer. Thus, if managing for wildlife is a major concern; land managers should take time to ensure that minimal broken or fallen limbs are accessible to wildlife. While this can be a major project after a strong wind storm; black cherry is a desirable tree for many wildlife species and thus putting in this extra work should be a priority to ensure the safety of your herd.

Managing black cherry in a dual-purpose land management plan will most likely favor timber production, considering its substantial economic value. Thus, close plantings are vital to ensuring clear, straight stem form. While this will restrict canopy development; managing black cherry stands can produce enough mast to feed a large wildlife population. If black cherry exists in clearings; where canopies are allowed to fully develop at the expense of the stem form, the trees exist mainly for wildlife purposes. In such situations; one needs to weigh the trees value carefully when considering the toxicity of fallen limbs. If the land is going to be intensively managed, it is beneficial to leave the trees; however, if the land isn't going to be to heavily managed, the tree should be removed to minimize the risk of poisoning wildlife.

Black cherry can be planted from seed or seedlings, however, seedlings are the best option, as the seeds have a thick coat that can make germination rates very low. As far as seedlings are concerned; there is a choice between standard and genetically modified seedlings. This is purely an economic decision; genetically modified trees can produce substantially higher quality wood on a much quicker time horizon, which comes at a substantially increased cost. These trees are available through Advanced Tree Technology, where you can find more information about them.

Timber Rating: A+

Mast Rating: B+

Overall Rating: A

Introduction to Food Plots

Food plots are a great way to supplement the natural carrying capacity of a given land. Food plots should average between three and six percent of the total land area; assuming that the remainder of the land provides substantial year-round food sources; including browse, hard and soft mast, and other agricultural crops. Plots should be limited to five acres maximum; with ideal size of one acre. Larger plots expose wildlife to potentially higher predation rates.

On tracts designated to timber production; losing acreage to food plots is not desirable. However, there is a solution. Logging landing areas and access roads throughout the property make great food plots. Although it can make it more difficult to locate wildlife because the plots will be spread across the entire property; it will have a minimal impact on the value of timber supported on the property.

Food plots should be designed to maximize wildlife usage, not to maximize wildlife visibility. Thus, plots are best designed in long, narrow, irregularly shaped areas with plenty of dense cover areas to serve as escape routes. This dense cover can overlap as other potential feed sources; ie. sumac, berries, coniferous browse, etc. The plots would ideally be located near some dense coniferous bedding area; especially in northern areas for late-season winter wheat and other late maturing feed sources. The plot would best be located to the side of the coniferous areas that protects it as best as possible from the prevailing winter winds; as less snow accumulation will make the plots more attractive to deer.

Alfalfa is a food plot plant that is very important to discuss from a financial standpoint. For the most part; many of the food plot plants that are available are going to cost you money over the long run as planting and fertilizing costs rack up. Conversely, alfalfa can typically be grown for a profit; even if you do not have the equipment to perform the task yourself. On a shared crop basis; the land owner will provide 50% of the crop to the farmer in exchange for cutting and baling. While most land owners will not have a need for the remaining 50% of the crop, it does present a potential income stream should it be sold. If 1% of the total land area is planted in alfalfa and 4% is planted in other food sources; the income from the alfalfa will offset the cost of establishing and maintaining the plots; even if only than half of the retained hay is sold. On the downside, alfalfa can be relatively difficult to establish, as it is not very tolerant of a wide range in pH levels. However, once established; alfalfa can expected to provide strong yields for upwards of five years, making it one of the most favored food plot plantings.

Brassica vegetables have recently come into favor as a food plot planting. Brassicas consist of vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and turnips. For the sake of food plots; turnips are the most common; especially wild turnips. Brassicas make a great fall and early winter crop; as wildlife does not consume the leaves until the first hard frost; at which point starches in the leaves convert to sugar and the leaves become more palatable.

Clover is a great all-purpose food plot crop; with high protein content and relatively early green-up in the spring. However, it does have its drawbacks; namely, it dies after any light frost; making it of minimal use as a fall and winter planting. Also, clover does not have as long of a lifespan as alfalfa; typically three years or so; although it is much easier to establish than alfalfa, so the trade-off is not that negative.

Corn requires special planting considerations because of wildlife habits. While corn cannot be beat as a winter food plot planting because of its high carbohydrates and great source as cover, wildlife tends to begin to consume it in early summer just as cobs begin to form; leaving little corn for winter feed. To deter this; there are a few solutions; first is to inter-plant soybeans with the corn; as deer will prefer the soybeans to the corn; thus alleviating the early feeding pressure on the corn. Second; corn should only be planted in large, 3+ acre plots; as anything less will encourage wildlife to consume the corn during the early summer when it is of little nutritional value. It is important to consider the cost of planting corn for wildlife feed as well; as corn consumes large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. However, inter-planting soybeans with the corn can reduce the monetary need for nitrogen fertilizer, as soybeans are a legume that fixes nitrogen to the soil that the corn would use. Further, utilizing alfalfa as a potential income stream can make planting corn and other nutrient-demanding crops a lesser financial strain, which can be important on large land areas with substantial food plot acreage.

Sorghum, commonly known as milo, is similar to corn, as it produces seed heads which are a great winter food source for wildlife. However, like corn, it has its downsides. Through learned behavior, wildlife will begin to consume sorghum in early September, just as the seed heads begin to fully develop; as a result; wildlife will be feeding on this source when it is not necessary to do so, as other crops would be more favorable and in season. Further, sorghum does not have the nutritional benefits of corn; meaning, in choosing between the two; corn would be more favorable. However, milo would make a better food source for upland game birds, should this be the target game. Either way, sorghum should be considered only on large properties and is treated similarly to corn.

Soybeans are one of deer's most favored plant come summer. As summer begins, wildlife, namely deer, will spend a lot of time feeding on this protein-rich food source. This grazing will continue into the fall and early winter months when wildlife feed on the mature bean pods. While soybeans yield much less than alfalfa or clover; they are excellent at extracting nutrients from the soil and can withstand heavy grazing once established. One has to manage the plot carefully, however, as too heavy of grazing early on can kill the plants; thus beans should be planted as early as possible; as fawning can give the plot the time it needs to get off the ground. That said; soybeans make an excellent food plot planting to consider.

The last major food plot contender is winter wheat/rye. This fall planted crop can provide great late season forage, as well as extremely early spring green-up with proper moisture, which is important as this is a heavy stress period for wildlife. However, winter wheat/rye do not provide great summer forage as it becomes a unpalatable in late spring. Considering its ability to provide much needed nutrition during important stress periods; winter wheat/rye should not be ignored as a food plot contender. Perhaps it should be mixed with clover, to make a great all-season plot.

Below is an example of a 1,680 acre property currently for sale; I have used the satellite imagery to portray where food plots would be best located, as designated by the orange areas on the map. The prevailing winds in this area come from the west; thus food plots would be best located on the eastern side of coniferous stands, as it will limit the amount of snow accumulation, while also providing great natural cover for escape routes.

Tree of the Week - Northern Red Oak

Considering last week's posting about the White Oak, it only makes sense to follow up with information on the Northern Red Oak. Unlike White Oak, which is most favored as a game management tool for its acorns, Northern Red Oak is more valuable as timber; upwards of $400 per MBF at current rates in Upstate New York. This makes the management of Red Oak much different than that of White Oak; as the Red Oak will need to be grown greater densities to ensure proper stem form, while acorn productivity will take a back seat, unlike the White Oak which should be grown in open areas where it can form a full canopy for maximum acorn yield. However, from a land management standpoint; it would be better to have lesser quantities of White Oak trees; as they are less valuable, and more of the valuable Red Oak. Therefore; the yield of the Red Oaks will likely be higher than the yield of the less common White Oak, simply because of the planting requirements. Further, in having less White Oak, it makes it easier from a game management standpoint as well, knowing that game prefers the White Oak.

As timber, Red Oak is a fast-growing, high-demand hardwood, growing at rates upwards of two feet per year in its prime habitat; well-drained, north and east-facing slopes. Considering its value, demand and growth rate, Red Oak is a must-have for any serious land manager looking for a high ROI. While Red Oak acorns are less significant to most game; as the tannins block much of the digestibility of them; they remain very important to white-tailed deer, which have developed a natural resistance to the tannins. Likewise, Red Oak has a much more dependable yield year after year when compared to White Oak, which typically produces a large crop once every three to five years. Thus, from a game management standpoint, especially from deer management, Red Oak is by no means a tree that should be overlooked, as it is a very important fall yielding, hard mast species.

As far as planting Red Oak; it is a little more complex than that of White Oak, as it requires 60-75 days of stratification at approximately 40 degrees before it will germinate. Further, there are no genetically superior Red Oak on the market, as certain compounds within the wood make grafting virtually impossible, meaning so too is genetic improvement. Therefore, for someone who wants the easiest route, purchasing quality stock is the way to go; and because this wood will be sold as timber, the initial outlay cost is not as significant as it is with White Oak, which will command a substantially lower price over a longer growing period.

Timber Rating: A+

Mast Rating: A

Overall Rating: A

Locating Black Bear in the Fall

Finding black bear this time of year can be relatively easy if you're in an area where black bear roam. Because bears typically den in the winter; they need to build up their fat reserves, meaning they spend most of their time from now until winter eating heavily. In knowing that, one simply needs to know a bear's favorite foods to put it to use.

Bears consume large amounts of berries in the late summer, whether it be blackberries, blueberries or raspberries, among others. Locating a berry patch that a bear has been to is the challenge; but knowing whether a bear has been there or not is easy; the bushes/brambles will be all tore up, with much of the foliage missing. Come early fall, apples, black cherries and wild grapes will begin to fall, which are other staples of the black bear diet. Shortly after; acorns will start to drop, providing yet another great food source to keep an eye out for. As with any animal, black bears prefer white oak acorns, but will consume red if the supply of white is limited. Also on their diet is beech and hickory nuts and the occasional small mammal.

To determine what a bear is eating; one must analyze what is found in the bear's scat. Here is a great compilation of various contents of bear scat, which may be helpful. Once you figure out what a bear is eating; the quest to find these food sources becomes key. Here, in Upstate New York, one needs to look no further than along shore lines of many of the various Adirondack lakes to find berry bushes, while apples can be located on long-abandoned farmland. Other than these, locating food sources is simply a matter of putting in the time to walk the woods in search of food sources; ie. oak and black cherry trees. Oak trees, as well as black cherry, can often be found on the lower half of north and east-facing slopes in well-drained soil. While black cherry is often more tolerant of wetter conditions, the mast productivity decreases as soil moisture content increases.

If you're in an area with relatively fresh sign of bear but are unable to locate the food sources; using a predator call may be to your advantage in attempting to see the bear. The sounds of dying cottontail, fawns in distress and the like typically spell out an easy dinner for a hungry black bear. While bears consume mammals as only 10% of their diet; they are more than likely to come to the sound of a dying animal, as bears do not hunt other animals, rather scavenge on the weak and dying, as they also are not overly fond of the smell/taste of rotting flesh.