Land Management 101

Where we discuss land management for saddle hunting whitetail deer.

What type of minerals should I use during the summer months for deer?

For buck’s phosphorus and calcium are the two most important minerals to antler growth. They will seek out these minerals during the antler growing season.

What is considered a mature whitetail buck?

Most people would consider any buck over 5yrs old to be mature. While 3 ½ and 4 ½ yr old deer are close to mature and sometimes great trophies, most biologists agree that a buck isn’t fully mature until 5 years of age.

What do whitetail deer prefer to eat?

There is a reason deer live in all of the lower 48 states, its because of their ability to adapt and their varied diet. Deer love nuts, fruits, and kinds of green browse. Depending on the area they might be feeding on acorns in oak flats, blackberries in berry fields, briar leaves in dense briar thickets or apples out of the local orchard. Finding a deers food source is essential to successful hunting, but that food source comes in a wide variety.

How much can a whitetail bucks antlers grow between seasons?

This will depend on age, location, genetics, mineral availability, weather, and so many other factors. The biggest growth in antlers, percentage-wise, comes from 1 ½ – 2 ½ yrs of age when they go from 30% of their potential to 60% of their potential. An average healthy deer will put on 10-30% antler growth a year until he becomes over the hill and starts receding.

What is a good buck to doe ratio?

A perfect buck to doe ratio would be an even 1:1 ratio, although this is rarely seen. Most biologists agree a healthy deer heard can have up to a 3:1 doe to buck ratio.

What is the best time of year to plant food plots for whitetail deer?

Either will work just fine. First, do a soil test, you should be able to get one of these from your local farm store. Your results will dictate what you plant and when you plant it. Alfalfa, clover, trefoil are all forage plants that will provide food year after year.

What's the best way to clear shooting lanes for deer?

Clearing shooting lanes can be a real chore, but there is nothing worse than having a buck in range and not being able to shoot because of a limb or tree in your way. clearing shooting lanes is simple. Once you’ve hung my stand, sit in it while simulating a hunt.

Have a friend move a deer target to various locations that we predict deer will be walking. If you don’t have a clean shot at the target, mark all branches and trees that need to be trimmed. You will need loppers, a pole saw, and possibly a chainsaw you can pick up at your local Home Depot. Remember not to take all the vegetation, just what’s needed, and always check local regulations before cutting any trees.

How can I improve antler growth on my property?

There are many things that can be done to improve antler growth. Increased minerals and nutrition, the calling of inferior genetics, even the introduction of better genetics. But the best and easiest way to improve antler quality on any property is to let deer get old. If you have a medium age of 4 ½ yr old deer on your property I can assure you that you will see improved antler growth. Don’t shoot young deer!