The Payoff....

[tootall71]

This past Saturday was opening day here in Ohio. First evening sit was in a radish/clover/winfred brassica plot where I put up a ground blind about 6 weeks ago. First deer came out around 6:45, an old, wiley doe with a floppy right ear that we have had many encounters with the last few years. She came and went pretty quick, as we had a slight shift in wind just as she was coming in. About 20 minutes later a big doe, smaller doe, and 2 fawns came out and had not a care in the world. Walked within 12 yards of the blind with no clue we were there. They fed for about 20 minutes and walked off.

Sunday evening sit was in my other, larger plot that I didn't have high hopes for but after seeing a ton of browse and turds all over the field, I figured it was worth a shot. Around 6 this 2.5 yr. old 6 and doe stepped out. Came within 15 yards of us, heads buried in the winter rye shoots with not a care in the world. They headed straight for the part of the field where my radishes are thickest, and preceded to chow down. By 7 there were 8 does/fawns in the field with the buck. It was awesome to see them totally comfortable eating the plants I put so much work in getting up. So rewarding to finally see all the hard work pay off. Didn't see any big boys come out, but I imagine it's only a matter of time now with all these does hanging around. Might have to take out a few of them to get this buck/doe ratio in check.
Should be a great season!

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Great pix and RESULTS. Girl hangout = guy hotspot. Food and girls is a good combo. Nice work.

 

[MojoRisin]

Awesome stuff. I'm a foodplot newbie and just seeing the trail cam pics of the deer eating what I planted has been very rewarding for me. I can't wait until I can get my son to camp to hunt and see it all live. I bet your bucks will show up soon!

 

[H20fwler]

Very nice! I saw a few does and fawns too, my oldest was five miles away and covered up in does with fawns...it does look like it's going to be a good year.

 

[BobinCt]

I saw 2 doe in my LC Mix yesterday that were born this year, which is why they were out in the plot 2.5 hours before dark. It's rare to see deer in my plots during daylight and a fluke to see them in it 2.5 prior to dark. Again, young and dumb, but they will learn. Bottom line is that it's still rewarding to see them in it. This plot is more of a feed plot than food plot cuz it's location.