Lunch time at 5 Pines farm

[LITTLEBIGMAN]

For those of you who don't follow my hunting blog each fall, the 2nd most important thing to me after hunting with my trad bow is the quarry I hunt the most, the whitetail deer.

In the off season I spend all of my free time working to improve the habitat for them them here at my beloved 5 pines farm.

This winter has been exceptionally rough on the critters. While my area in SE MN has not seen the giant snow falls that Northern MN has , we have had our share.

So this winter once again has seen a lack of food beginning to be apparent in the deer woods.

I am a proponent of helping them out but I don't do piles of corn on the ground. Natural food is so much better. The last few weeks i have been out on the snow shoes with a chain saw in hand. I cut down lots of Aspen, Willow, Cedar, and thin out the wild apples trees as well. This provides the deer with much needed calories for the cold that is still upon us. Another trick is I carry a ten foot pole on my sled. I use the pole when i find an apple tree still carrying fruit up high. I hit the upper branches hard and pounds of frozen fruit hit the ground. The smaller crabs are still abundant and the deer just go crazy for them.

here are a few snap shots from last night and this am.

 

 

 

[LITTLEBIGMAN]

Providing good forage and secure bedding areas is a lot of work but very rewarding. Its part of my Trad life style.

 

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Great Pictures Jim.  Your winter has been unusually brutal this year.

[ron w]

The time and effort you put forth is a wonderful thing. And when you do your hunting blog it all shows and is really paying off. My hat is off to you..........     And once again thanks for keeping us in the loop.

[Hopewell Tom]

I couldn't agree more with the habitat and food help.

I'm also working in our woods, cutting studwood for a local sawmill. My main aim is also to improve habitat and provide some winter food. I'm cutting white Spruce mostly and it is covered with Old Man's Beard, a lichen that is a favourite food stuff of our deer. The power saw draws the deer in almost immediately and they are more skittish when I shut it off than when it's running. I cut a big Spruce on Friday and two does were feeding at the top while I limbed it up.

Our woods are full of wild apple trees and I'm working this winter to open as many of them up as possible. In April, I plan to get around and do the necessary pruning for an improved crop.
I want to document my efforts hunting this Fall, as you do, Jim. It truly is a year round effort.

[Sam McMichael]

I, too, feel that natural food is better than piles of corn, etc. I have been told that privet hedge is a good plant for deer as it stays green over the winter, plus it grows like southern kudzu. Does this stuff survive winters in your area? How 'bout all you horticulture guys, is privet good for deer? I know they eat it a lot on my place but don't know if it is really desirable or simply available.

It is good to hear you are trying to help out the local herd with natural goodies.

[Greg Szalewski]

That is out standing Jim. You are a good steward of the land. Enjoy it and thank you for sharing.

[JJB]

Nice work Jim! It looks like the deer really appreciate your help. This winter has definitely been a tough one.
-Jay

[LITTLEBIGMAN]

hey Tom.  

Yup the chain saw seems to be the dinner bell here too. I have not had them that close , but 2 weeks ago I had three small ones come to the  sound of the saw and they stood off at about 40 yards and waited till I went down hill before they moved in.

opening up those apples to the sun will really help.  I am trying to thin out the apple trees so there is less competition for sun , water and bees.

I am also doing the same thing for the small oak, hickories , black walnut and cherries when I take down the other trees to feed the deer.

Sam I have never heard of that plant. If its not a  indigenous plant be careful, while the deer might like it it could have adverse effects on another plant. Check with your local FSA or DNR wildlife people, they will know the scoop.

[Yellow Dog]

Jim, thanks for taking us with you this past season. Love the pics of your little piece of heaven on earth          

[Whip]

The deer in your area are lucky to have you watching over them.  Your piece of heaven is also theirs!   Good job Jim    

[Jayrod]

Very good thing you are doing for the deer Jim and you will reap,the harvest from it I can't wait till this season for your  day to day expierences it was the best I have seen? NICEWORK!