Chainsaw, thank you for creating panic (JK). So I have different areas on the property where buckthorn is present and some of its co-located near new regen areas that if not kept in check with take over the areas or at least promote growth of existing plants. These plants mostly range from 1-2 inch stem diameter. The exterior edges of my land have much better sunlight are starting to see the influx/intrusion of MFR and bush honeysuckle (and buckthorn), but those are probably a 2, 3 priority at this point. My area is not as entrenched like yours (sorry to hear that), I do have some sizeable plants (some are female of course that are larger and receive more sunlight -hence the better growth rate- those will likely need to be sawed and stump treated).Im just wondering what has worked best for taking them out. I suspect time of year and herbicide recommendations are start on for me. I just took at looked at the MN DNR page for recommendations, but I want personal experiences, etc.
In the native browse category you are discussing I have little to no young regeneration (young forest) so its a really negligible point to contend with for measuring interest. Im working to fix that and of course I tied in a bunch of improvements all at the same time on my land, carving out food areas (as dozers were present during logging), opening up large areas of the canopy, building soil, dealing with erosion control, etc. My plan assumed the next move after logging is dealing with the micro factors (which aren't that micro) of dealing with invasive and understanding how to best promote regen on the landscape, which to me is a science project. Dealing with an influx of deer IMO is best handled by overwhelming them or maybe hoping they wont notice for a few years as the improvements take shape (JK, but I can hope)... so If I could not have deer for 2-3 years Id be super happy!!!! That wont be the case and I am hopeful other areas around me partake in doe removal as well as focus on ag and habitat gains through some improvements. My specific areas abuts some serious good hunting, but the land I own isn't the best draw due to a host of factors and I was abosuletly ok with that... weird how that works right

, but it has the potential and topography and that's really the reason I bought it (I guess more to come on that discussion once I do a "show me the land forum").
Anyhow, like I said I am just starting to micro manage the logging areas for higher regen % and some of those areas that have some middle age forest nearby have been moderate to less progressive in the growth department due to vine. The combo of buckthorn and vine tend to be in those areas, working to create structure, shading out growth as a negative, but creating cover which is a benefit IMO. The pockets of cover (where buckthorn is present) are very easy to clean up and promote as areas of interest, but now I think that managing at least the females in those areas may be a start because the deer/birds and other critters could displace seed much easier. So I am a lover and hatter all in the same moment of the cover aspect. So I have decided to really start where the getting is good and focus on the multitude of easy accessible stems of buckthorn that aren't interspersed with the grape vine, which provide zero cover, then once that's taken care of start to engage the female variety in the cover areas.... whatever the plan all this take a lot of time hence my post