|
Here is evidence of deer feeding on forbs. Some of the most favorite that I have seen are greater hogweed, common smartweed and careless weeds. They tend to grow along creeks or wet areas of fields and deer tend to feed on these until late summer. There are several others and the local Cooperative Extension Agents can provide help in identifying native food sources for your hunting area and this service is free.
I also look for all types of funnels or changes in terrain or topography that deer may use to disguise or direct movement. How many changes in terrain do you see? A hay field, a fence line, a brush line between the beans and fence? This line of cover connects an area no more than 80 yards between wooded areas. The deer in this area are using this relatively open funnel to travel during daylight. The hay field has cattle, so the deer avoid moving through it and the beans are open and the deer are exposed a little. Also, when the beans get close to maturity they will be difficult for them to walk through. This farmer has left just enough standing cover for the deer to feel comfortable and travel feely in this area. The fencerow also runs north to south making it easy to hunt in prevailing westerly winds during bow season. Picking a tree at the start of the fence row allows very little disturbance to bedding areas and the chance of being winded prior to a shot opportunity is greatly reduced.
|
|
|
|
|
