Plot management

[86hunter]

So last deer season I planted oats and throw and grow. I had success in killing my first doe, but she got away into thick brush. (Buzzards pointed her out two weeks later by the way). So I would have to say my first year was bittersweet. I learned a lot, and actually made a pretty decent 55/60 yd shot with my crossbow. I didn’t find her in time, and two weeks later found her half eaten body with the arrow was still in her side (coyotes)


What do you guys plant down south? I’m in south ms and looking for more plot ideas...
What do you guys think about using high powered .22 pellet gun with head shot to prevent losing another deer? Just looking for other opinions and ideas...


Sent from my iPhone using Deer Hunter Forum

 

[bowhunt160bucks]

Maybe rifle hunting is a game you should try

 

[davidhelmly]

Maybe rifle hunting is a game you should try

My thoughts exactly!

 

[Drycreek]

In Mississippi, I would think any kind of cereal grain would be a good fall draw. I like wheat, but lots of others prefer rye, oats or triticale. A mix wouldn’t hurt either. I like to put a little medium red clover in my wheat also, but I’m still experimenting with that.

On the weapon of choice, here are my thoughts. Archery hunting, whether compound or crossbow, begs for a short range shot with a good, sharp broadhead. I can’t know where you shot the doe, or your equipment, but this won’t be your last lost animal I’ll wager, because it happens with bows, rifles, shotguns, and certainly with air rifles. IMO, a .22 air rifle, no matter the power, is not a good idea for deer hunting. Neither are head shots, again my opinion. To drop a deer within a reasonable distance, you need two good holes through the heart/lung area to leave a good blood trail. That doesn’t always happen of course, but that’s what we should strive for.

 

[Mennoniteman]

A high powered .22 pellet rifle isn't legal for deer in any state. They just don't have enough power to humanely kill a deer. Keep practicing with your crossbow, and read some articles about tracking game. Most deer will run 50 to 100 yards after a good double lung shot with a crossbow, so tracking a blood trail is one of the skills needed to be a good hunter. I'm a northerner so I'm not an expert on southern plots but I'd advise planting a mixture for your plot, something with oats and maybe clover or brassica or lablab in it. Try to copy your planting success from last year and build upon that. I predict that this will be the year that it all comes together for you and you will be eating fresh venison.

 

[86hunter]

Only reason I’m hesitant to use a rifle is bc the plot I hunt is an old grown up cow pasture. There are houses in all directions so to prevent the biggest mistake of my life I decided to go with a bow, and was just asking opinions on air guns. Not changing locations. I’ve got a herd of 6 does counting the one I shot, and I had really nice buck activity. The dominant buck was a huge six point that I hope stays alive and grows two points lol


Sent from my iPhone using Deer Hunter Forum

 

[Brian]

What do you guys plant down south? I’m in south ms and looking for more plot ideas...

Here’s a solid starting point from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife & Fisheries - I use this basic mix at my place about 100 miles west of you in Wilkinson County.

https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/deer-program/food-plots/cool-season-food-plots/

I substitute rye for oats and add chicory. I also have to plant the small grains at 90-100#/acre to keep up with the browsing pressure.

Only reason I’m hesitant to use a rifle is bc the plot I hunt is an old grown up cow pasture.

Have you considered a shotgun with slugs?