Accept stewardship

Managing deer and habitat is critical to success

The deer hunter who fails to cover all the bases is setting himself or herself — and possibly others — for failure. That includes land and deer management.

Regardless of whether you lease hunting land, own it (with the bank), or hunt public lands, you have responsibility to the overall management of the deer herd on that property and the property itself. Neglecting either is a major mistake.

Land management

Creating and maintaining wildlife habitat is critical.

Hunting land has to be managed like a home lawn — groom it, seed it, fertilize it and by all means lime it on a regular basis. Enhance native browses by fertilizing it, and trimming it back appropriately.

If you have a dense forest canopy, consider a select timber harvest to open up the forest floor to sunlight. The result will be new growth and new food resources for the deer and all wildlife.

To augment natural food, plan and plant quality wildlife food plots, putting into them the most you can afford.

Begin with a soil analysis, seek advice and go to work. Prepare the soil bed well, and plant seeds that grow successfully in that soil or region. Try clovers, wheat, oats, iron clay peas, and greens like rape, kale, and turnips. Find what works and what deer like.

Fertilize well and pray for rain.

Herd management

While there are many contributing factors to growing big bucks, there is one overriding principle: Do not kill the young ones.

Learn to age bucks on sight, and pass on the young ones and let them grow to their maximum potential. It may take four or five years, but the wait will be worth it.

Antlerless deer management is another huge factor. Consult with a regional biologist for a recommended doe harvest goal, and then achieve it. Becoming complacent in doe reduction can put the buck-doe ratio out of whack, and the whole herd suffers.

It takes work and commitment, especially when all the freezers are filled before the goal is achieved.

Enlist friends, especially youngsters who might lack the opportunity otherwise.

Find a charity, like the Mississippi Wildlife Federation’s Hunter’s Harvest Program, and donate venison to feed the hungry.

The long-term results will be a reasonably balanced herd. It is essential to quality deer management efforts.