Foodplotting In The Mountains...The Sequel

[dogghr]

I was once asked in here what my suggestions were for a new property owner for their land management beginnings that I had learned. While I don’t think I mentioned equipment I will heavily suggest if you can afford it a tractor of any size or year. Particularly if you work alone it can be like having couple muscled guys at your disposal. For some reason global warming has caused all things to be heavier such as logs , rocks , fence posts, trailers etc and I need the extra grunt??!!

I moved some trees , some road repair , drainage upkeep, and hauling ,all in a few hours that would have been much more sweat and time related wo one. Plus it’s just plain relaxing!!

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[dogghr]

I must reflect on my Random Clusters that I have talked about so much. The logging operation is will certainly make changes in their function perhaps but here are some observations of the RCs.

No doubt the 4 major ones I did from the lower property to the back ridge certainly changed deer movement. Buck and doe travel and bedding was increased in each of the Clusters. Two areas that never saw bedding or buck movement almost immediately did so w hinge cut trees. Especially w the upper ridge #4. I now almost always see or jump bucks from this area and it is a regular pathway morning and evening of deer from a neighboring prime bedding area.

The other 3 Clusters also show bedding and numerous rubs as deer transition toward the back ridges. I think also the fact they exist several hundred yards down wind of my plots also attribute to movement

It’s my intention that the selective logging and the chosen areas of heavier timbering will in the near future will embellish the minor clusters I had developed. It will take a few years for these to develope with undergrowth properly. Time will tell and I will certainly let you know of my success or failure.

Had fun this week while working some downed timber with this busted up little buck. Followed me around most the day in a once neglected part of farm. And these open areas should be thick soon as nature does her stuff.

Let the land dictate your actions and success is more predictable. Deer survived quite well long before Man decided he knew more than nature. Just some ramblings from a mountain man. Enjoy your land and be thankful. Peace

“The land knows you, even when you are lost.”—Unknown

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[MoreofMitch10]

I must reflect on my Random Clusters that I have talked about so much. The logging operation is will certainly make changes in their function perhaps but here are some observations of the RCs.

No doubt the 4 major ones I did from the lower property to the back ridge certainly changed deer movement. Buck and doe travel and bedding was increased in each of the Clusters. Two areas that never saw bedding or buck movement almost immediately did so w hinge cut trees. Especially w the upper ridge #4. I now almost always see or jump bucks from this area and it is a regular pathway morning and evening of deer from a neighboring prime bedding area.

The other 3 Clusters also show bedding and numerous rubs as deer transition toward the back ridges. I think also the fact they exist several hundred yards down wind of my plots also attribute to movement

It’s my intention that the selective logging and the chosen areas of heavier timbering will in the near future will embellish the minor clusters I had developed. It will take a few years for these to develope with undergrowth properly. Time will tell and I will certainly let you know of my success or failure.

Had fun this week while working some downed timber with this busted up little buck. Followed me around most the day in a once neglected part of farm. And these open areas should be thick soon as nature does her stuff.

Let the land dictate your actions and success is more predictable. Deer survived quite well long before Man decided he knew more than nature. Just some ramblings from a mountain man. Enjoy your land and be thankful. Peace

“The land knows you, even when you are lost.”—Unknown

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Any recent or semi recent pics of your clusters? My grandad years ago did clear cuts and a few of them still look great. One has absolutely been taken over my silver and stripped maples unfortunately. The task of getting rid of all of them is too daunting for me.

 

[dogghr]

Any recent or semi recent pics of your clusters? My grandad years ago did clear cuts and a few of them still look great. One has absolutely been taken over my silver and stripped maples unfortunately. The task of getting rid of all of them is too daunting for me.

I’ll try and find some but it may take Sherlock. Some are posted on an old thread of mine in Habitat I think titled Random Clusters. But nothing recent. I’ll try some updates on here


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[dogghr]

Dogghr's Theory of Random Clusters or Hinge Cutting Manipulation

"Random-Cluster Model Let be a finite graph, let be the set whose members are vectors , and let be the sigma-algebra of all subsets of . A random-cluster model on is the measure on the measurable space defined for each by In the above setting, the case corresponds to a model in...

deerhunterforum.com

Try this hookup for some old pics. Just a bunch of unsubstantiated random thoughts of a crazy man


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[dogghr]

Any recent or semi recent pics of your clusters? My grandad years ago did clear cuts and a few of them still look great. One has absolutely been taken over my silver and stripped maples unfortunately. The task of getting rid of all of them is too daunting for me.

Here a few pics from parts of early cuttings on perimeter of a cluster. Initially I cut and then each year would expand the cluster with additional cuttings. Usually in the winter which improves the area but also drops feed for deer in mid winter.

As the random clusters exist for several years I begin to see more bedding within them especially against the structure created by dropped trees.

Some are more brushy and some , like this one, become more of a Savannah type understory grassland.

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[dogghr]

And as time passes the undergrowth develops. In the case of this one , a Savanah like regeneration beneath the understory


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[dogghr]

I usually am doing my hingecutting during these cold months but w logging still in place there is no need for me to do such

Weather has been crappy as with most of you so I went for a day of skiing. It’s one of the few sports that I’ve never broken a bone and hope my luck doesn’t run out. Sure helps take care of the winter doldrums. At nearly 3 score 10 I’m happy I still have no fear which can be a bad thing sometimes

Did go down to farm after most of snow melted yesterday and put out some mineral licks. Just used the brown blocks from Tractor Supply. Cheap and I’m not a great believer in them any how.

Pic of tree down is why I don’t enter woods in high winds. Funny, I had it red blaze marked for the logger NOT to cut. I guess God felt otherwise.

I still ski all the slopes I always have. But Omy legs don’t last the whole day any more. Went alone as my skiing buddies have either passed or quit skiing. So I cranked up some 70/80s music to keep me company
Take note of the last pic of the paraplegic skiing!! Don’t ever let the old man in!!

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[Native Hunter]

I usually am doing my hingecutting during these cold months but w logging still in place there is no need for me to do such

Weather has been crappy as with most of you so I went for a day of skiing. It’s one of the few sports that I’ve never broken a bone and hope my luck doesn’t run out. Sure helps take care of the winter doldrums. At nearly 3 score 10 I’m happy I still have no fear which can be a bad thing sometimes

Did go down to farm after most of snow melted yesterday and put out some mineral licks. Just used the brown blocks from Tractor Supply. Cheap and I’m not a great believer in them any how.

Pic of tree down is why I don’t enter woods in high winds. Funny, I had it red blaze marked for the logger NOT to cut. I guess God felt otherwise.

I still ski all the slopes I always have. But Omy legs don’t last the whole day any more. Went alone as my skiing buddies have either passed or quit skiing. So I cranked up some 70/80s music to keep me company
Take note of the last pic of the paraplegic skiing!! Don’t ever let the old man in!!

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I will be watching for you in the next Winter Olympics!

 

[George]

Good stuff, Doug, I like those green up pictures. You would not be able to get me off the nosedive and plunge side of the hill. I really enjoyed my little dose of wintertime here, six inches of snow all down in the creek now.

G

 

[dogghr]

Went Valentines Day to spend the time w the one I love…. My farm. Of course that’s just partially true as my true love was working so I was free most the day. I needed run the chainsaw on some road blocking trees and deer paths from logger debris. And some management of cedar growth.

Cedars in this area can overwhelm a field in no time so I try each winter to reduce their numbers. I prefer longer leaf pines for thickets and cover making for better cover and management.

In addition this particular field is the largest of 3 of my fallow fields that receive nearly no man caused tweaking. It’s on its own for the most part.

I do allow the cedars along my access road for screening as they grow so quickly. I do cheat some as the larger trees I cut but smaller ones are pushed over by the tractor. The latter works best in winter and low sap as they typically will break over similar to a hinge cut and will remain living. Why? To create better habitat for the smaller animals for protection from predators like coyotes and hawks.

I have planted probably a 150 spruce on this hillside of which maybe 10 have survived deer browse and several drought years. But some have survived and even replanted a few others themselves. Slow process.

Last pics are just random of deer and turkey winter feeding in a clover/ brassica/ grain plot that self propagates with only mowing.

Logger is still taking some timber occasionally for his mill. Been pleased with all that process last couple years. Not the drama so many speak of. Glad he and I get to make some money and a couple roads that serve my purpose.

Hang tight my friends , Spring is not far. Time to get down close to those soils , hibernating plants, timber, and seeds and observe, take note , and add to your processes. Just ramblings of a delusional mountain man!

“He who hopes for spring with upturned eye never sees so small a thing as a Draba. He who despairs of spring with downcast eye steps on it unknowing. He who search’s for spring with his knees in the mud finds it, in abundance”. ——Leopold- A Sand County Almanac

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[dogghr]

Since I mentioned in my previous post of observing the soil on your knees during these nasty winter day thought some might like this article. I certainly have these on my property and would expect more as the logging opens the canopy.

https://wvexplorer.com/2020/04/04/single-leaf-orchid-wild-west-virginia/

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[dogghr]

It’s spring and I , like many of you , see these early bloomers of Sarvis ,aka Serviceberry ,in bloom. Easy to find on my place in the spring when I tag them but difficult for me to identify within the woods once blooms are gone.
Read if you want , don’t if you don’t , But it will hurt my feelings deeply!

Sarvis Tree blossoms signal the arrival of mountain spring in W.Va. - West Virginia Explorer

In the Appalachian Mountains, in West Virginia, settlers knew spring had arrived when the tiny white flowers of the Sarvis Tree blossomed.

wvexplorer.com

And another early bloomer important to the first settlers

Spring's pink-flowering redbud trees guided early West Virginia settlers

HINTON, W.Va. — Blossoming across the eastern U.S. in spring, redbud trees were notably important during the settlement of the Appalachian Mountains, where they indicated the presence of some of the best soil for farming. Today, the pink-blooming trees, which also thrive in urban settings...

wvexplorer.com

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[KSQ2]

The flowers announcing spring funeral services -- service berry.... Learn something new every day!!

 

[dogghr]

I’m slow at posting pics these days but here goes. Fields are from 2 wks ago. Woodland pics are a month ago

Very cool and occasionally wet spring. Fields have been neglected bad while logging going so catching up is in order for this year.

To reiterate, fields have been limed twice in 15 years beginning ph of 5 and now maintained at 6-7. Fertilizer used rarely. T&M for 10 last 10 years with rototiller used before that.

Most are perennial plots these days with 2 plots in rotation with brassica. WR or WW used each fall in all plots for weed control , soil improvement, and game food and cover.

One of the drawbacks to timbering is sometimes a tree might end up in the wrong place. I was glad though to be rid of the plot crowding Walnut. The only real stipulation I put in my logging contract was no heavy equipment run in my fields. Overall it was a clean operation with no treestands damaged.

And yes I know some are having coronaries of that grass in clover plot. No worry for me. May spray Cleth this year but unlikely since summer is here.

One of my brassica plot overseeded with WR. I’ll let it mature and reseed brassica late July.

And beneath the grains is plenty of clover. On this hot dry ridge the clover does great with the heat protection given by the grains along with moisture retention in dry weather.

And of course beds and fawning within

Distant clover field is 15 years old

Hazelnuts and Silky Dogwood best trees I’ve planted. The Pears in the background and Apples have been too much work for infrequent success thanks to late freezes

Lousy pic but these are Cedars I push over for small game. Some are cut and die, others pushed over and live. Here you see both

No planting or burning done in selective logged areas. Nature does it for me

“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds. Much of the damage inflicted on land is quite invisible to laymen. An ecologist must either harden his shell and make believe that the consequences of science are none of his business, or he must be the doctor who sees the marks of death in a community that believes itself well and does not want to be told otherwise.” Leopold——A Sand County Almanac


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[weekender21]

Damn that’s a good quote from Leopold.


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[MarkDarvin]

Did u ever mark your serviceberries? I spend a day in the spring scouting for them on my place too, and I mark them with flagging tape.


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[dogghr]

Did u ever mark your serviceberries? I spend a day in the spring scouting for them on my place too, and I mark them with flagging tape.


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I did about 8 years ago but with recent logging I’m sure I need to survey again


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[dogghr]

Postings are so random for me anymore so you just have take a conglomeration of photos/stories.

Daughter and SIL had me piggyback on a business trip of his to Ireland and England. Great week with them. Especially since I and a lot of WV has Irish blood it was interesting. Irish Dialect is stronger than any Appalachian. Weather is typically cool and rainy. Castles were cool. Pubs were cooler.
Funny they, like us, trash talk their government, taxes , and illegals. And no animosity to the US.
And all could break out in to Take Me Home Country Roads at mere mention of my WV home.

As for the farm….. has been neglected foodplots for 2+ years due to logging. Trying to get things back in shape.

Worked the roads re placing water dogs from logging abuse. Got to beat the critters to some fresh blackberries even though I got into a yellow jacket nest and stung a few times. Could’ve been worse.

Been in moderate drought for 2 months no rain. But w a couple days of rain and more in forecast I decided to do my brassicas. Sprayed gly. Next day spread PTT, DER, Forage radish, 19-19-19 and Urea. Mowed thatch. Said prayers! Good rains that night

Hopefully will redo my alfalfa and clover fields early sept if weather cooperates.

Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold pint and another one!——
Irish proverb


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[Native Hunter]

Postings are so random for me anymore so you just have take a conglomeration of photos/stories.

Daughter and SIL had me piggyback on a business trip of his to Ireland and England. Great week with them. Especially since I and a lot of WV has Irish blood it was interesting. Irish Dialect is stronger than any Appalachian. Weather is typically cool and rainy. Castles were cool. Pubs were cooler.
Funny they, like us, trash talk their government, taxes , and illegals. And no animosity to the US.
And all could break out in to Take Me Home Country Roads at mere mention of my WV home.

As for the farm….. has been neglected foodplots for 2+ years due to logging. Trying to get things back in shape.

Worked the roads re placing water dogs from logging abuse. Got to beat the critters to some fresh blackberries even though I got into a yellow jacket nest and stung a few times. Could’ve been worse.

Been in moderate drought for 2 months no rain. But w a couple days of rain and more in forecast I decided to do my brassicas. Sprayed gly. Next day spread PTT, DER, Forage radish, 19-19-19 and Urea. Mowed thatch. Said prayers! Good rains that night

Hopefully will redo my alfalfa and clover fields early sept if weather cooperates.

Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold pint and another one!——
Irish proverb


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You need to tell me before you take off across the world so that I can bring you some more KY31 fescue seed while you are gone. Welcome back to you, and take me home country roads!