Only time I enter my sanctuary is mid winter. I went in today, looking for beds, rubs, trails. With the good hard mast we had this year , sign was scattered as would be expected since deer meandered thru the forests feeding on acorns. This sanctuary is about 15+ ac and I have another of about 10 and several other small ones scattered. In reality, much of my land is a sanctuary since only 2 of us typically hunt it and we keep access to a minimum.
As with hardwoods, soft wood pine are under attack by various insects and stress. But with death, come a more open canopy, and food with new growth and even the bug holding stump for many an animal.
Acorns? Did someone say acorns? After two hard failure years this year finally produced a decent crop, and the deer and bear and others really enjoyed them. Pay attention to the ones laying on your ground. Are they still viable if not eaten? Have they buried to provide new growth of the forest? Have insects destroyed some?
Yea this is one of two oaks standing together. At well over 100 feet, its crown provides a ton of food for a variety of animals. Deer come out of the santurary to feed at these trees each evening. Some disease present if you look close. Will I cut this. Hell no. It's a money maker for me on the hoof providing food and seed for future growth I may never see. Follow that Mighty Oak thread and learn of its intricacies. Amazing.
And why not cut it for its timber value? I've shot 6 deer, two bucks, and two turkey with a bow from this stand which sits just past that white oak. One reason why.
One reason for my walkabout today was to check for browse. It is nearly non existent thanks to nice winter and good hard and soft mast. Heres some hinge cuts done month ago. My popup blind sits to left center. Look close. I've shot 2 bucks from it in late season, which is the only time I will hunt my fields. Leg bone from my deer this year in foreground.
A little barbed wire for Okie to drool on.
And some AO that I intend to work for Geo to dream about.
