J-birds place
- Thread starter j-bird
- Start date
Kwood
Well-Known Member
Last 3 years since I’ve bought my property and upgraded my equipment I’ve taken 3 deer. Each yielded about 65lbs. My math tells me my deer cost approximately $1275/lb.
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Kwood
Well-Known Member
j-bird
Well-Known Member
http://www.northernwhitetailcrabs.com/
Because I know I will forget and misplace the info I am simply posting a link to a site above for crab apples for potential purchase next year.
Because I know I will forget and misplace the info I am simply posting a link to a site above for crab apples for potential purchase next year.
George
Well-Known Member
I did a cost analysis of venison a few years back, I don't remember if it was expensive as kwood's $1275/lb but it wasn't cheap. After another unsuccessful elk season this year I priced a 1/4 beef here locally, approximately 100lb, at just under $800 with the 10% quantity discount. As it turned out I ended up with 2 mule deer, a fallow deer, and 2 elk front shoulders so me and Hank have about 1/2lb+ a day of healthy protein to eat. If I was back on a farm in a one buck State with limited doe permits I would probably rotate a piggy patch through the lambsquarters.
G
G
j-bird
Well-Known Member
I tell the wife we are going to raise a hog or a beef and she will shoot me.....one less mouth to feed....may stretch that limited venison a bit further!!!
j-bird
Well-Known Member
That got a little dark! I figured she would shoot me and toss me in the ditch.....or be fertilizing the corn. I guess me "feeding the family" can have a whole different twist to it!!!!
Familytradition
Active Member
I keep trying to convince the wife that we need a couple of beagle pups. I get similar death threats.
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j-bird
Well-Known Member
I was out moving cams and found something unexpected.....as you can see from above all the boys where still pack'n......I got one around that isn't pack'n as much any more!
Also seems that some work from a year ago or so seems to be paying off. I hinged some trees on a small bench I have....the deer have left there mark. There are 10 "deposits" in the distance of maybe 20 yards..... Normal when you poop on something it's a bad thing......in this case I think its a good sign!
Further description of the area.
Update on the bean plots.....
SW plot is pretty stripped clean.....that is where the trail cam pics are from, while the south plot (larger) is still providing grain. You can see the green (winter wheat) in the pics as well that got overseeded in the fall.
I bumped a deer out of my switchgrass as well. It has held up fairly well to the snow and ice we have had thus far....found a couple of beds as well.
Also seems that some work from a year ago or so seems to be paying off. I hinged some trees on a small bench I have....the deer have left there mark. There are 10 "deposits" in the distance of maybe 20 yards..... Normal when you poop on something it's a bad thing......in this case I think its a good sign!
Further description of the area.
Update on the bean plots.....
SW plot is pretty stripped clean.....that is where the trail cam pics are from, while the south plot (larger) is still providing grain. You can see the green (winter wheat) in the pics as well that got overseeded in the fall.
I bumped a deer out of my switchgrass as well. It has held up fairly well to the snow and ice we have had thus far....found a couple of beds as well.
j-bird
Well-Known Member
Well Indiana deer season officially closed at 113,596 deer total harvest....down 5% from last years harvest.
This harvest is the lowest it has been since 2004 (2004 was 123,058 and 2003 was 106,986). We peaked in 2012 (136,248) and have been in near constant decline ever since. The "kill more does" mantra has done what it is/was supposed to do.....so now when is enough, enough? When does the DNR dial back the antlerless bonus quota numbers? When does the DNR revoke/suspend the special late antlerless season?
This harvest is the lowest it has been since 2004 (2004 was 123,058 and 2003 was 106,986). We peaked in 2012 (136,248) and have been in near constant decline ever since. The "kill more does" mantra has done what it is/was supposed to do.....so now when is enough, enough? When does the DNR dial back the antlerless bonus quota numbers? When does the DNR revoke/suspend the special late antlerless season?
Good updates, J-bird. How old is your stand of switch? The stuff I planted last year averages from 1-3’ tall, with some spots over 4’. I cant wait to see what it does this year on established root systems. I’m also discouraged about the direction that Indiana’s deer herd is heading. I’ve talked to a lot of hunters since the end of season, and here in the Northeast corner of the state, nobody had a good thing to sat about the seeming unlimited doe kill goals of the IDNR masters.
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j-bird
Well-Known Member
My switch went in a few years ago.....I would have to dig to give you a specific answer. Planting year I got a few inches. First full year I got 3 feet or so......since then I get 5 feet on average (seed heads will reach 6 feet). I have had it in the ground at least 3 years now.
As far as the deer numbers go.....I just want some sort of documented game plan. What is the goal, how are we measuring it and how do we get there.....all on a county basis.....WITH hunter input and involvement. I realize numbers are not bullet-proof, but they sure as hell help. My place we usually take an average of 4 deer a year.....we took only 1 this year. This was the first year since I have been successful in taking a deer (since the early 2000's) that I didn't take a deer myself. Its hard to remain positive and engaged when it seems that the system itself is against you! It was a huge struggle this year keeping my daughter positive about her pursuit of her first deer this year due to a lack of sightings.
The DNR opened virtually every avenue they could to facilitate this (additional seasons, increased bonus numbers, increased legal weapon choices)...... Folks say that adjusting the bonus numbers won't fix anything because it affects such a small portion of hunters....and I agree with that to an extent. However, do we really expect the DNR to now remove the late antlerless season or even a bigger stretch....reduce legal weapon choices? Imagine what happens when the DNR revokes the use of all rifles and X-bows!!!!! That's not going to happen - too much money to be lost (same money that greased the way for those to be passed in the first place). Other than removing the special late season the only realistic means to control the harvest now will be to reduce the opportunities......shorten the season, or reduce how many deer they can take via the bonus numbers. I remember a few years ago when the DNR purposed a reduced and split general firearms season.....I thought there was going to be a riot!
Familytradition
Active Member
j-bird
Well-Known Member
They hammered that little plot, but that is what it is there for. It's funny as they do not seem to be as willing to venture another 4/10 of a mile to reach my larger plot of the same!
j-bird
Well-Known Member
I was taking advantage of the nice weather today and went out and trimmed up some of my apple trees (I do NOT pretend to know what I am doing). I simply thinned them out to remove competing limbs and remove the crossing and crowded areas to facilitate air circulation. I did save some of the ends though to help learn how to graft! I have a crab apple I plan to turn into a frankentree!
Also took some "before" pics for a "deer trail/winding plot" project I want to implement this year as well. Right now there is an edge between a timbered south facing slope and a weeds/switchgrass buffer at the edge of a corn field I have. I think a nice 4 foot wide or so clover/chicory may be just the ticket to put deer on a different path than the hunters and one I can take advantage of while hunting.
Also took some "before" pics for a "deer trail/winding plot" project I want to implement this year as well. Right now there is an edge between a timbered south facing slope and a weeds/switchgrass buffer at the edge of a corn field I have. I think a nice 4 foot wide or so clover/chicory may be just the ticket to put deer on a different path than the hunters and one I can take advantage of while hunting.
