my area in 2017- I am certain the drought had substantial reductions in growth potential for racks. I am not certain if it was simply the lack of rain providing plant growth & nutrients and/or the high heat causing STRESS to deer. ??? Likely both.
Beans in my area saw many failed fields or because of early rains in 2017 - crops got in very late. This had to also have a little impact on antler growth as beans are a high protein, calcium, etc source for deer- late planted or total failures.
This year so far..... late spring. Which could mean a lack of early food for Deer. Big impact???? I don’t know. What is positive..... many beans are now in the ground with perfect planting conditions. I’d say on average, 25-35% of beans are done and those that are not - they will be next on the list since many folks are ahead of schedule. So- on one hand, late spring, on other hand- early crop plantings or very timely.
I personally think STRESS - whether it’s lack of winter recovery food, high heat, low moisture, super high deer densities, etc - any STRESS will have negative impact to antler growth obviously. Here we sit though.... late spring - low on water supply but I’d still call it “sufficient” as of now. Early crops planted. If we get ample rain - I “think” our antler growth would be good BUT then it comes down to: did this late spring do damage? What do you think?
Not like we can control this..... OR actually we can to some extent..... lots more cool season legumes & tsi to put vegetation & food on ground or supplemental feed which most folks don’t do & not practical or desired.
But - overall - did u guys see a poor growing season in 2017 and what do u think the late spring will do? I sure hope it’s better than 2017. My learning lesson from 2017- I am going to continue to add more clover & a little more alfalfa & make sure I get early planted beans out at a few spots regardless. The added clovers & tsi work are easy ones most people can do- especially frost seeding clovers. What y’all think?? Please GROW in 2018!!!!
Beans in my area saw many failed fields or because of early rains in 2017 - crops got in very late. This had to also have a little impact on antler growth as beans are a high protein, calcium, etc source for deer- late planted or total failures.
This year so far..... late spring. Which could mean a lack of early food for Deer. Big impact???? I don’t know. What is positive..... many beans are now in the ground with perfect planting conditions. I’d say on average, 25-35% of beans are done and those that are not - they will be next on the list since many folks are ahead of schedule. So- on one hand, late spring, on other hand- early crop plantings or very timely.
I personally think STRESS - whether it’s lack of winter recovery food, high heat, low moisture, super high deer densities, etc - any STRESS will have negative impact to antler growth obviously. Here we sit though.... late spring - low on water supply but I’d still call it “sufficient” as of now. Early crops planted. If we get ample rain - I “think” our antler growth would be good BUT then it comes down to: did this late spring do damage? What do you think?
Not like we can control this..... OR actually we can to some extent..... lots more cool season legumes & tsi to put vegetation & food on ground or supplemental feed which most folks don’t do & not practical or desired.
But - overall - did u guys see a poor growing season in 2017 and what do u think the late spring will do? I sure hope it’s better than 2017. My learning lesson from 2017- I am going to continue to add more clover & a little more alfalfa & make sure I get early planted beans out at a few spots regardless. The added clovers & tsi work are easy ones most people can do- especially frost seeding clovers. What y’all think?? Please GROW in 2018!!!!
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