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Post by johno on Apr 12, 2007 22:20:41 GMT -5
So, looking around my yard, I noticed that the oaks, hickories, mulberries, etc. have had their leaves frosted off. For some of them, this means buds, too. I mean, last week they were all green, and now they are sticks. I have a bad feeling that they won't bounce back too well.
Is a general purpose wildlife food plot seed mixture sufficient to supplement the critters? or are there specific things I should plant to really fatten them up before next winter? What about things they can store in place of the nuts and acorns?
I know I can't feed the whole area's wildlife, but maybe 20 acres or so? Would that be sufficient for a couple of dozen deer and about the same number of turkeys? Am I dreaming, thinking I can afford to plant that much?
Anybody know?
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Post by downinmyback on Apr 12, 2007 23:07:14 GMT -5
The local Turkey Club the Longbeard give out seed to plant for seeplot around here. I also beleive the TWRA ( TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY also give out seed to plant. Maybe you can look into something like that where you live.
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Post by johno on Apr 12, 2007 23:37:25 GMT -5
Good idea. Thanks.
I just searched a few things like that, but no luck so far. I'll call the cooperative extension office.
I tried Acres For Wildlife, which would have been my best bet if I hadn't missed the February application deadline...
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brook
gardener
Posts: 127
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Post by brook on Apr 13, 2007 5:02:57 GMT -5
Also check with the state fish and game department, as there are often matching-funds programs for habitat improvement.
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Post by johno on Apr 24, 2007 23:48:35 GMT -5
Okay, I'm still not sure why we got skipped over, but it seems every county around us is getting emergency federal aid since the trees froze to death.
By the way, they aren't growing any new leaves as of yet... We might lose more than acorns...
So, my BIL and I had a think over the subject this weekend. We can't afford to feed the wildlife enough to make it through the winter, so we plan to eat them before they starve to death. We'll try to leave the healthiest animals to repopulate next year.
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Post by flowerpower on Apr 25, 2007 7:08:34 GMT -5
Could you plant some extra sunflowers and corn? Sounds like apples and other fruits would be in limited supply too. Sad.
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Post by johno on Apr 25, 2007 7:38:39 GMT -5
Oh, I intend to help as much as possible... Sunflowers and corn are certainly on the list. I got a bagful of 5 year old winter melon seeds yesterday that I'm going to plant (with the help of my daughters and nephews) along the creeks wherever it's sunny enough AND stays moist. If the bugs don't get them, that should make for some good feedin'. I've never grown winter melons before, so if anyone has advice...
There aren't any apple trees here, but the wild pears made it through the late freeze okay - I don't remember if they were blooming yet or not. The wild plums bit the dust, and it was looking like it would be a bumper crop year after two or three years of nothing.
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Post by johno on Apr 27, 2007 18:24:19 GMT -5
Looks like we're getting some new leaves. Whew!
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