MilkweedManiac
5 year old buck +
Hey Folks,
I wanted to see what various thoughts might be concerning the nature of this decision. This is a newly acquired property and I am slowly making changes and that process begins this year. This particular question concerns whether or not I should leave the thick, gnarly Multiflora Rose|Blackberry edge (probably 75% Multiflora Rose) that is growing up next to the creek of this bottom field, or if I should bush hog it this spring and start over with a different type of edge. It doesn't look like it in the photo, but these brambles are quite thick and nasty, leaving deer only3-4 of opportunities to exit the woods up into the field. The blue line in the picture indicates a small creek (3-4 ft. deep) that runs between the woods and field.
Now, I like the idea of a blockade for deer hunting, I mean that's Steve B 101 kind of stuff. But I can't help but think maybe I should start over with a better type of cover. The strip of brush is very wide, maybe 20 feet or so on average. So reclaiming that soil could possible leave me the option of a NWSG buffer, Shrub Tree Line, edge feathering, etc. This is a pretty small planting area, so I also like the idea of having a little extra space to play with, even if it just ends up being an access path of some kind.
I honestly don't see a ton of browse on the Blackberries there, and even if I did, I can think of better habitat that lasts a little longer than that and could always let Blackberries grow up elsewhere.
Thoughts and opinion are always welcome.


I wanted to see what various thoughts might be concerning the nature of this decision. This is a newly acquired property and I am slowly making changes and that process begins this year. This particular question concerns whether or not I should leave the thick, gnarly Multiflora Rose|Blackberry edge (probably 75% Multiflora Rose) that is growing up next to the creek of this bottom field, or if I should bush hog it this spring and start over with a different type of edge. It doesn't look like it in the photo, but these brambles are quite thick and nasty, leaving deer only3-4 of opportunities to exit the woods up into the field. The blue line in the picture indicates a small creek (3-4 ft. deep) that runs between the woods and field.
Now, I like the idea of a blockade for deer hunting, I mean that's Steve B 101 kind of stuff. But I can't help but think maybe I should start over with a better type of cover. The strip of brush is very wide, maybe 20 feet or so on average. So reclaiming that soil could possible leave me the option of a NWSG buffer, Shrub Tree Line, edge feathering, etc. This is a pretty small planting area, so I also like the idea of having a little extra space to play with, even if it just ends up being an access path of some kind.
I honestly don't see a ton of browse on the Blackberries there, and even if I did, I can think of better habitat that lasts a little longer than that and could always let Blackberries grow up elsewhere.
Thoughts and opinion are always welcome.

