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Ask Winke
Understanding Food Sources
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  • Which will the deer hit more during the season in Pike County, IL; brassicas or clover?
    drew from IL asks:
    Hey bill thanks for another great year of videos. Next year i was thinking about putting in about a 1/2 to 1 acre food plot. I bought a seed mixture of brassicas and clover. I was going to buy some more of one or the other. I hunt in Pike county Il during shotgun seasons. (late nov and early dec) what do you recomend or think they will be hitting more during season? clovers or brassicas? thanks for all the help.
    Winke Responds:
    Drew, I think that during the early season and up to early November the clover will be just fine. They will hit both at that time. Past about mid-November the brassicas will draw more deer as the clover wilts away. I hope that helps. Good luck. (1-2-12)
  • Can you give me more information on whether deer eat tamarack needles?
    wiley from AB asks:
    On http://huntnro.com/BillWinke.htm you said deer "feed heavily on tamarack needles." Are you referring to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larix_laricina or something else? Do you have further details? I have never heard of them doing that.
    Winke Responds:
    Wiley, Yes, the same one. That was Ron's input from his experiences hunting the tamarack swamps. We flew that area a lot and there were always tons of deer way back in the swamps, well away from any agriculture. That was Alberta, so maybe they were eating some kind of lichen that was also growing on the branches of the tamarack trees. In most cases, I don't believe the deer like tamarack, but Ron swears that is what they are eating. I don't know many guys with more woods experience than Ron so I bowed to his experience on that one. Good luck. Merry Christmas. (12-21-11)
  • Do you have fruit trees on your farm? If so, what kind? Do the deer eat pears?
    mike from IL asks:
    bill i notice you talk alot about nut bearing trees,i was wondering if you have any fruit bearing trees on your property and if so what kind. i been thinking about making two small orchards constisting on apple/crabapple and also pears. i read articals where alot of people have had some luck planting pears thought i would give it a try. how do you think the deer will react to the pears
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, I have about 60 apple trees that I planted back in 2007. They are doing OK, but not great. We had some tough winters that killed the grafts off on about 10% of them. They are growing back from the root stock so they are still viable apple trees, just not the kind I originally purchased. They have not been big apple producers except one year. I think it is the weather patterns we have had. Once established I am sure they will do fine, but right now they aren't very productive. They are a mix of red delicious and yellow delicious. I am going to plant about 100 more this coming spring. I think they are a great idea for the deer, plus I just love eating fresh apples myself! Deer will eat pears for sure. We have a couple of wild pear trees on the farm (I don't what kind they are) and the deer definitely eat them. Good luck and Merry Christmas. (12-13-11)
  • Where do you find the bucks during the late season when the corn and beans are already harvested?
    David from OH asks:
    I enjoy the show and I always look forward to the next. I was wondering if you can do a show on late season food sources other than beans or corn. I my area of Ohio almost all beans and corn have been picked. What food sources do deer eat when these staples are not available.
    Winke Responds:
    David, They still eat corn and beans, they just scrounge them off the ground. They may also rely a bit more on browse. Without a really good food source, they tend to be more spread out and harder to hunt. I don't plant food plots to help me in the rut, I plant them to help me in the late season because I know how hard it is to shoot them during the late season without a good food plot. Good luck. (12-12-11)
  • Is is possible to plant oaks from acorns in areas where you can't do tillage or am I wasting my time even thinking about it?
    Jeff from WI asks:
    I have some large areas in my woods that are bare and/or have junk trees. These spots have little to no oak regeneration.(not sure why) This is due to the previous owner harvesting for market the mature oaks. This was roughly 10 years ago. There is no way to till or disk for direct nut seeding. I've thought about doing it by hand. I'm not afraid to do the work. Just wondering if you think it would be worth it or a waste of time?
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, I think it would be worth it. I have considered something similar in a few spots here too. I think you need to come up with a simple tool that allows you to step the spaded end into the ground, spread the handles to open the hole and then drop the acorn (or two) down a tube attaced to one of the handles and into the hole. Then you can remove the spades, stomp on the hole to close it and move on. You need to be able to do this while standing with a sack of nuts over your shoulder. I think if you try to do it any other way it will take too long and kill your back. If you do make one of these tools, I would love to see photos of it. As I said, I have been thinking of this too, for the past several years. Saturate the area with acorns. Come back the next spring with a backpack sprayer filled with Oust XP and clear out all the grassy competition. If you decide to go the seedling route, I would suggest that you get older root stock and fence each one after spraying with Roundup to remove all local competition. The older trees and the fence will be necessary to give the trees a fighting chance and to make it worth your time. However, be forewarned, seedlings are always very susceptible to dry conditions and will die easily the first year if the roots dry out. That is why I love planting acorns so much. It really works. Good luck. (11-18-11)
  • I am planting a two-acre field surrounded by swamp. Should I plant corn or turnips?
    Ben from MN asks:
    Hey Winke, I have a 2 acre food plot that's surrounded by a thick swamp and I'm debating whether to plant corn or turnips, What would you plant? and where would you set up your bow stand in a field like this?
    Winke Responds:
    Ben, I think I would start the first year by splitting it and planting 1/2 to clover and half to a brassica blend. Use a blend instead of straight turnips. If the weather is wet, you will lose the turnips, but a good blend like Frigid Forage Big N Beasty has some plants that hold up under those conditoins. Then I would rotate them every other year. Or, I would plant it to soybeans the first year (if the deer wipe out parts of it during the summer you can overseed in late August with the brassica blend) and then come back with the brassica/clover plan for a year. I wouldn't plant corn in that setting because it is quite expensive and if the deer numbers are high, they will hit it hard in this isolated plot during the summer and you have little for fall/winter attraction. Good luck. (11-22-11)
  • Where should I look to gather acorns to plant aoks from nuts? Do you need special acorns? When should I gather them?
    DJ from WI asks:
    When planting the acorns for nut seeding Oak trees, did you use "special" acorns or can you collect ones from other trees in area once they fall and if so is there a best time to gather them and how do you store them before planting? thanks Bill.Im a big fan of the show, DJ
    Winke Responds:
    DJ, You can collect them locally. In fact, that is the best way to get them because those trees are already adapted to your area and climate. Gather them as soon as they hit the ground so the critters don't get them. Ideally, with white oak you need to get them in the ground shortly after they fall. Reds give you a bit more margin for error in planting time since they don't germinate until spring (whites germinate in the fall). Look for a place with big oaks dropping onto mowed grass (golf course, park, yards) to make the job of gathering easier. I appreciate the support. Good luck. (11-16-11)
  • Will leaving 10 acres of soybeans on my farm improve it for late season hunting? Will it also draw in turkeys?
    Jim from OH asks:
    Hi Bill, hunting hard and loving it. My buddy and I purchase ten acres of soybeans from the farmer where we hunt. He is going to leave 10 acres alone and not combine them. Do you think that is a good purchase especially in the deep of winter? I hope this will be a deer and turkey magnet. I folllow yor suggestions a lot but I do shoot a Mathews, sorry.
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, I think that will work great. I leave beans all the time. It will definitely be a deer and turkey magnet. If you can do this every year the deer will get used to coming to your farm and it will turn into a great place for late season hunting. Good luck. (11-6-11)
  • Which do deer like better, sugar beats or cabbage?
    joshua from WI asks:
    do you think cabbage is better than suger beets becuse we have cabage and i think cabage is better but my grandpa thinks suger beets are better
    Winke Responds:
    Joshua, I am not sure on that. I do know that deer love sugar beats, but not sure on cabbage. I wish I could settle the bet, but I just don't know enough about cabbage. Good luck this season. (11-5-11)
  • Are you going to do a segment on native browse? I have photos at this link that you can look at.
    Philip from MO asks:
    Hello Bill, Are you going to do a section on native browse? It seems a lot of people do not understand the importance of native plants and how beneficial they are for deer. Here is a pic of purslane/pigweed browsed very heavily on my farm. They have white oak acorns, soybeans, and groundhog forage radishes within 80 yards of this and the weeds are getting pounded in this area. http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/pes1979/Habitat%20Improvements%20on%20the%20farm/?action=view&current=100_0416.jpg Giant Ragweed browsed in the soybeans. http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/pes1979/Habitat%20Improvements%20on%20the%20farm/?action=view&current=Habitat6.jpg Beggars lice also heavily browsed. http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/pes1979/Habitat%20Improvements%20on%20the%20farm/?action=view&current=Habitat7.jpg A native perennial sunflower. http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/pes1979/Trees%20on%20the%20Farm/?action=view&current=100_028
    Winke Responds:
    Philip, Excellent information. Thanks a bunch. We will definitely touch on this during the coming months. For now I'll let the viewers look up your albums. Good luck. (11-1-11)
  • Do you think the bucks showing up on your farm after missing a year is related to crop rotation?
    David from NC asks:
    After reading your most recent blog post, it occurred to me: Have you considered that these bucks are showing up on odd years due to crop rotation? Maybe there is a preferred crop closer to their home range that keeps them in a different area on even years, but on odd years, they move over to your place. Just a thought.
    Winke Responds:
    David, That could be. It is a good point. Deer do like it best when the farm is in beans and it is in beans this year. I think the beans bring them in during the summer and they stay. But then, as far as I know, neither of these bucks was here during the summer. Not sure exactly why they have showed back up. I do think this is common though in the deer world. Some of them have big ranges and spend more time at one end one year than another year. Good luck. (10-26-11)
  • Do deer like popcorn better than regular field corn?
    rob from AL asks:
    Bill, I live in nw ohio. Around our area there is alot of popcorn grown. I was wondering if there have been any studies done on whether deer prefer field corn or popcorn. Thanks, you have the best and most informative show.
    Winke Responds:
    Rob, I hunted a popcorn farm in Nebraska a few years back. I didn't feel it was any more attractive to the deer than regular field corn. They didn't reject it, but it just seemed to be roughly as attractive as standard field corn. Good luck and thanks for the support.
  • I am seeing fewer deer on the plots I am hunting; is it the October Lull or are they leaving for acorns somewhere else?
    Cody from WI asks:
    Hey Bill..recently this year this there isn't a single tree in our 400 acres with an acorn on it! And i know that the deer have been traveling to find some acorns on other properties. So what do I do? They do come up to the 8 acre newly planted aflalfa feild to browse, but then leave and re to far out to take. but do I hit up the small plots to catch something passing? It went from seen 20-30 deer a night, now about 1-5. And i know it is The October Lul, but what is the best situation here? Thanks Bill! God Bless!
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, Nothing you can do except maybe hunt the fringes a bit more and hope to catch them heading out. But really, they will have them mopped up pretty well soon and the patterns will return to normal. I would just lay low a bit longer. It is likely just the October lull more than anything else - or you are pressuring them too hard. That will also reduce sightings. It is very, very hard to hunt whitetails without them realizing it. Once they figure it out, they move less during the day in those areas where they are encountering signs of human intrusion. It is just that simple. You have to manage your hunting pressure very carefully to keep the deer moving naturally. I would give them some time to come back in and then start hunting them again in a week or so. Don't hunt your best stands until around the end of October. Success is not found by spending as many days as possible in your best stands, but rather spending a few very high quality days in them. Good luck.
  • Will deer abandon acorns to hit a freshly picked cornfield?
    Bret from MN asks:
    Went out on a scouting trip last week. I have a chunk of oak woods that I like to hunt in the fall when other land gets too crowded. It is only 200 acres, and has corn fields on the North, West and East. To the south is more woods. On my way home from Ripley last week, I drove past it and all the corn was still standing. Went out there the next day and one of the corn fields had been picked. Not chopped, but picked with combine. From what I could see on the field, looked to be corn laying on the ground that the combine left behind. So.......will the deer leave the acorns to hit the picked corn now or will they continue on the acorns until they have eaten them all and then hit the corn?
    Winke Responds:
    Bret, They love the freshly picked cornfields. I think they will abandon acorns for a while to hit those fields when the corn comes out. I would hunt those fields as soon as you can after they get picked. Good luck.
  • What can I use for an attractant that raccoons won't eat?
    Kainon from LA asks:
    Hey Bill. I hunt in a swamp and everything i put out for the deer coons eat it up. Apples, persimmons, corn, rice bran, ect. What would you recommend as a good deer attractant or feed?
    Winke Responds:
    Kainon, That is a tough one. In the summer you can use minerals because coons won't come to that, but the deer will stop using it around the first part of September. I am not sure what to suggest. In Canada they use slices of alfalfa hay, but I don't think that will be a big attraction there - it might be, but I doubt it. I have never tried the commercial atrtractants such as CMere Deer, etc. but those may work in this case. Not sure. I think it is worth a try. Others include the attractant from Primos, HS, Rack 1 and Big N J. Also, a scent attractant from Monster Raxx. Good luck.
  • Do you think the reason you are getting less photos of deer is because the deer are feeding on acorns and not coming to the corn you are using to bait them to your cameras?
    scott from VA asks:
    Hey Bill just read your blog and saw the show on your bucks not showing up on camera during the day was just wondering if the cams were over corn still and since the acorns started to drop do you think that could be the reason why they have stop showing up? Do you have any cameras up in the oaks near were the bucks have been showing up? Thanks Bill Great job to you and all all of the pro staff.
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, They were still over corn. I think part of the reason they stopped hitting the cameras is because they are eating acorns, but it happens every year though - the bucks become less visible in late September even in years with no acorns. I do think that if you want to shoot one now, you should focus on acorns, but I still say the bucks (mature bucks especially) are less active now. I am still getting some of them at night, but not during the day anymore. Bummer. Good luck.
  • I am trying to pull deer from a neighboring property with a pin feeder and clover plot; will that start to work better when food is scarce?
    Colin from MD asks:
    Bill, Thanks goes to you and the pro-staffers, you put out great info and help for new hunters like myself! My situation: I hunt my six acre property that borders a few lots that are between 10-30 acres. Directly in back of my property, on the other side of the road, is about 20 acres of pines where a huge herd of does seek cover (25-30 Deer). I asked for permission and the land owner said no. My plan is to attract them with a food option on my side of the road, I have a spin corn feeder and a very small clover plot (15yds wide x 30yds long) in the only opening of timber in the back part of my property. I've had a trail camera up since the spring and I pull the card once a month. So far I've only had two mama's, one with yearlings and the other with two other does that appear to be 2-3 years old. Questions: Do you think this will change when food gets sparse!?! Is there anything else I can offer, food wise, without breaking the bank to draw more of them to my side? The cover is good
    Winke Responds:
    Colin, Yes, when they have few options they will hit your food much harder. Clover is the best bet in your situation. I would make sure it is a good plot, cut back some trees to be sure to get light to them and also be sure to keep it well-fertilized with correct Ph. In other words, make it as appealing as possible and they will definitely use it. Good luck.
  • Is it too early to knock corn down in the hopes of bringing the deer to it?
    Rod from KY asks:
    I planted 10 acres corn this year. The deer have disappeared I guess that they eating acorns. Is it too early to knock corn down for hunting bow season or should I hold off until November?
    Winke Responds:
    Rod, I would hold off a bit longer. I am guessing they are eating acorns and they will stay on that pattern for a while longer. I would say give it until mid-October at least before you start to expect to pull them to a different food source. Good luck.
  • Why are the deer feeding in my neighbor's fescue field instead of my clover plot? It is risky to keep baiting a site weekly or will the deer stop using it?
    Greg from GA asks:
    Hi bill: I have a kill plot next to a corn field I planted but for some reason the deer choose to feed in my neighboring property's open fescue field. The kill plot has lush crimson clover. I originally baited the site with corn and was getting good activity on my trail cameras. I was afraid baiting each week might make the deer go nocturnal so I stopped. I also wasn't sure if baiting and checking cams once a week at my kill Plots would spook deer. Should I go back to what was working for me: baiting my kill plots and putting cams up so I know what's there? And why are deer in my neighbors fescue? They did this last year too even when I had standing corn.
    Winke Responds:
    Greg, If that is legal, I would go back to it. I am no expert on baiting, but I do think that visiting the spot once per week to take the card from the camera and pour out some corn will not make them avoid the site. I have no idea why they are in the fescue. There may be something growing in there that they like right now. Deer are opportunists, they pick and choose whatever is tastiest at any given time. It is not always what we think it should be. I have seen them many times walk through clover to eat leaves dropped from hedge (osage orange) trees. On average, the plots are productive, but at any given time, they may be feeding on other things.
  • When will the deer move off the acorns and onto the corn? When is the best time to start using scents? Should I take my scents out of the woods each day?
    kaleb from WI asks:
    Bill, i have a few questions for you. I was wondering what time of the year deer switch to acorns and back to corn? I set a ground blind in a corn food plot and when do you think that spot would be good to hunt in? When should i start putting out scents to attract bucks? Last question is when i put some esterus out in a scent bomb should i take it out of the woods after i'm done hunting or leave it out the whole season. Thanks for your time
    Winke Responds:
    Kaleb, Basically, when the acorns are gone. They will stay on acorns until they are mopped up. I would say sometime in the second half of October. They will still feed in the corn somewhat, just not as much as they would if there were no acorns. So I wouldn't be afraid to hunt it some. Scents: probably second half of October - start October 15. I would take it out when you are done. Anything the deer get used to smelling all the time will less attractive than something new. For example, if they smell it, check it out at night and find there is nothing there, why would they come back the next day to the same scent? Good luck.
  • I am going to be hunting this weekend, should I hunt acorns or agricultural crops like corn?
    Kane from IL asks:
    Illinois bow season is days away! Any thoughts on where to hunt in the first few weeks of October? I hunt on a farm in Whiteside County. We have food plots in place including clover, brasicas, turnips & radishes, and soy beans. These plots are all surrounded by timber with lots of oaks. Do you think in the early weeks of October it would be better to hunt on the plots or in the timber? There is also standing corn still on the farm that has not been harvested yet with a few stand locations off of the fields. Thanks for your time, I really appreciate hearing your thoughts.
    Winke Responds:
    Kane, I would guess it will be better in the timber. I think the deer will prefer to stay in cover and eat acorns at this time. I would also hunt the fringes of the cornfield too. Finally, any green forage like fresh oats or clover/alfalfa is also a good choice. Priorities: acorns number one, the other food sources number two. Good luck.
  • Is wheat a good green browse for attacting deer at this time of year?
    Jacob from AR asks:
    Bill, when you said acorns and anything green, what about wheat? It's starting to come up good with are soy beans. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, Wheat is attractive too. I would rank it below acorns, but above most other browse that is starting to dry down and get stemmy at this time of year. Good luck.
  • When do deer eat soybeans, if at all?
    Harry from WI asks:
    When do whitetail feed on soybeans, if at all?
    Winke Responds:
    Harry, They feed on them when they are green (they eat the leaves). After the pods dry down (after the leaves fall off) they will come back and feed on the pods. They tend to like soybeans better in November than corn and tend to like corn better in December. However, if all you have it corn or all you have is beans, they will hit them hard all fall and winter. We hunt over beans a lot. Good luck.
  • Will deer browse heavily on cranberry bogs? I am not seeing as many deer on camera as I was in July; what could have happened?
    Todd from MA asks:
    Hi Bill: Love the new shows this season so far. I hunt on public land with maybe 3 other people( Prob like 50+ Acres) This area is nice woods with old cranberry bogs that are now not really maintained. Question #1: In your experience would you think these old bogs are still a good food soruce for our deer. Question #2: Over the summer i have had 3-4 nice bucks and lots of does, once august came, the deer #'s have gone down and i dont know why. I dont see as many pics on my cam as i did in spring / early summer. Thanks for the thoughts and im looking forward to seeing you harvest some of those hit list bucks! Regards Todd
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, I admit to not knowing the answer to that. I have never hunted cranberry bogs so I don't know if they browse that plant or not. You should be able to tell easily by looking for browse lines and signs of browsing. The deer go where the food is or where the pressure isn't - since you aren't talking about open season, I would say their food sources changed. They follow their stomachs, plain and simple. The only other thing might be outside pressure from dogs, coyotes, non-hunters, etc. If none of those makes sense, I would say they have changed food sources. Good luck.
  • We have a lot of acorns here from all kinds of different oak trees; which ones do the deer prefer?
    Dan from MN asks:
    There seems to be a very high yield of acorns this year where I hunt. The prperties were I hunt have multiple tpyes of oaks on them and I was wondering if deer perfer one type of acorn over another? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, Lots of them here too. They like the white oak acorns best (white oak, bur oak and swamp white oak are the most common varieties). They will eat the others too, but prefer white oak. The rest all have about the same attractiveness. Good luck.
  • Will my clover and ryegrass make it through the late season?
    Quentin from KS asks:
    I planted clover rygras will it last though late season
    Winke Responds:
    Quentin, If it grows well it will last through November for sure. Clover will stop growing in October some time, but the rye will likely keep growing a week or two longer, but not very fast. How long it lasts after that really depends on the deer numbers in your area, but I would think it will make November as a minimum and maybe through December too if it grew well and the deer numbers aren't too high.
  • Do deer stay in the beans after they turn?
    justin from AL asks:
    ok, beans, corn? do deer stay in beans after they turn?
    Winke Responds:
    Justin, They leave the beans for a few weeks once the leaves start turning yellow but they come back to the beans again after the bean itself dries down. That can be anywhere from a couple weeks to a month depending on the weather. This year it has been dry and the deer are getting back into the beans earlier than normal. Good luck.
  • Where do the deer go after they stop feeding on beans? Does it work to pour corn in front of my camera to get more photos?
    quentin from KS asks:
    where do the deer go after the beans tern yellow. And after the deer stop using mineral does it pay to pore corn there to keep getting trail cam picks
    Winke Responds:
    Quentin, They move on to other food sources, mostly acorns and green browse such as winter wheat, clover, alfalfa, etc. Yes, if you pour out the corn, they will keep coming to your camera. Good luck.
  • What is the best mineral to put out for deer?
    chad from IN asks:
    what is the best mineral to put out to attract deer in my area ? I mostly hunt in southern Indiana. thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Chad, From everything I have heard from people who know these kinds of things, the Trophy Rock is actually a very complete and portable mineral for deer. By the way, deer only hit mineral hard from about April through mid-September so they are about done now. Good luck.
  • The farmer is disking up the clover on his farm and planting it to wheat; how will that affect my hunting?
    Grant from IL asks:
    The property that Im hunting sits on a 15 acre clover field. The clover has not been preforming well this year so the farmer decided to plant winter wheat. It was just disc today 9-12 and I assume he will plant soon. How will the timing of this affect deer movement? Will the wheat come up fairly fast?
    Winke Responds:
    Grant, The wheat will come up fast, but won't get very tall before frost slows it. If you have enough rain and it stays warm for a while, I would expect five inch to six inch tall wheat and the deer will feed in it - not as heavily as they would in a good clover field, but at least they will be there at times. I used to hunt over wheat in KS all the time. It pulls deer, but not like alfalfa or clover (or grain such as beans and corn). If other farms around have better food sources, expect the deer to shift that way a bit - especially late season.
  • What is your favorite early season food source?
    Steven from OK asks:
    What is the best food source you have found for hunting early season whitetail?
    Winke Responds:
    Steven, I like clover and alfalfa for early season, but deer will also hit corn a bit as soon as the kernels start to dry down. Alfalfa is the best if you can grow it. Deer love it, but it is hard to maintain unless you are farming it commercially. Good luck.
  • Did you do your homework and test to see how deer react to wild onions?
    Bucky from IL asks:
    Ok, I did my homework ,did you do yours? I asked last year if you ever used wild onion's as a cover up.I am in Adams county Illinois and I used them till it snowed with great success..I did have a little more response from bucks when I mixed onion's with VK Killer..so far this year I have put them out with my mineral and they are coming in extremely well..I stomp on the onions I froze from lasr year before entering my camera area's and it seems to not to be alerting the bucks ..I am getting super shot's..I already have been putting freshly picked onion's in the freezer because of the drought..Have you tried this natural cover up or would you recomend the viewer's to try this ..a great way to save money on cover up ...get them used to the smell in the woods is the key..Best of luck this year ..Bucky
    Winke Responds:
    Bucky, I have not done my homework! I didn't try that, but thanks for reminding me. Sounds like you had great success and I am sure the viewers/readers of MW will appreciate the fact that you are sharing your experience here. I will make a point to give it a try this year. I will ahve to go looking for some wild onions. The only spot on the farm that had a lot of them is a soybean food plot right now! Thanks and have a great day.
  • Why dont' the deer seem to feed heavily in soybeans in my part of NW Iowa?
    Jason from IA asks:
    Bill, I grew up hunting in KY and have been in Iowa since 2007, in KY if you have a soybean field it's covered up in deer every day in the summer but in my area of Iowa "Calhoun County, kinda north west" we have alot of beans but from late evening glassing we never catch any deer in them..Maybe a doe & fawns from time to time but never any mature bucks at all. I've always found it strange since the deer I grew up hunting in KY go nuts over soybeans but I have no luck at all finding them on beans here in my area. Any ideas as to why that is?
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, There are not a lot of deer in Calhoun and there are a lot of beans. That spreads them out. I am sure the deer in your area eat beans too, but they may also have plenty of browse that they also like. Since the deer numbers are not high, there is plenty of good browse for them. This reduces their dependency on crops. Again, I am sure they are eating beans (our deer love them here), but they just have many options. Keep looking and you will find them, probably tucked away into the corners of fields near creeks or small wood lots. Good luck.
  • Will I see an increase in antler size in the bucks I am hunting as a result of the better protein diet I am offering them?
    Chris from LA asks:
    We finally started getting some evening showers down here a week or so ago and my vetch has really come back to life. I rode out there yesterday and saw several deer eating on it. I think we still have about 5-6 weeks of antler growth to go down here. Do you think that the late little burst of protein from the vetch will help the antlers any?
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, It may help them some, but the overall quality of all the browse and forage has an affect. Also, the health of the bucks is related to several years of their life (stresses that have occured in the past will still be apparent). To be honest, it really helps the younger deer the most to have a good diet every year as they mature. That is the goal, to consistently supply a good diet over a buck's entire lifespan to really see the benefits of food plots when it comes to antler growth. We grow food for two reasons: nutrition and to hunt over. We are fortunate here in the Midwest that the nutrition aspect is easier to maintain because of all the crop ground, but the winter food sources become limited so food plots really become productive in the late season here in the Midwest. You may see some improvement in antler size in the short-term due to the food source, but it should also greatly improve the attractiveness of your hunting area which will improve your hunting. Good luck.
  • Do deer eat cabbage?
    ian from WI asks:
    With all the rain we got and road construction in my hunting area the farmers couldn't get to the field i hunt until this weekend. Unlike the usual crop of corn or soybeans they planted cabbage because it was so late. Cabbage i believe is a brassica so is this field going to be a bttr late season stand if there is any cabbage left or is this farm a lost cause? never hunted over cabbage its a whole new world to me.
    Winke Responds:
    Ian, Man, you got me on that one. I had no experience so I did some research. It seems that deer will eat it but they have to be conditioned to it, like many other food sources. Seems they like it best when the plant is very young and again late in the season if there is any remaining. It is hard to say if they will hit these fields hard the first year, my guess is that they will if there is no other food sources around, but I guess I would scout some before committing valuable time to sitting over a cabbage field. Good luck.
  • Do deer like to eat wild pears? When do they start to eat them?
    Jay from NY asks:
    Hi Bill I found what i believe to be a wild pear tree on an 11 acre piece i hunt .its the only mast on the property and is loaded with fruit I have no idea how it got there but is on an old fenceline so maybe a farmer ate a pear and tossed. I dont know but how much do deer like them?when do they fall early season or late
    Winke Responds:
    Jay, Deer do eat them. We have a few on our farm and they will eat them, but they don't move heavily to them. I have hunted them hard in places like Idaho and they make a huge difference in patterns there. But in most other places they aren't as big of a deal. Depending on the variety of pear, they may ripen and drop in September all the way through October. Once you see them dropping, I would definitely hunt the tree. The other option is to put a camera on a nearby tree and monitor activity on the pear tree to see when they start eating the pears. They will definitely eat them, but how much they favor them, and and when is related to the variety of pear. Good luck.
  • What do deer move to after they have eaten all the acorns?
    Seth from IN asks:
    Hi, In Indiana the acorns fall during bow season and not shotgun. Is there anything that deer move to after the acorns are all gone?
    Winke Responds:
    Seth, I would say in most areas they will move to cornfields, either picked or standing. They will also move to bean fields and clover/alfalfa at this time. They love acorns and will hit them hard until they are gone and then they will go back to agricultural crops. Good luck.
  • Would you mix brassicas with a blend of clover and grains or keep them seperate?
    Carter from NC asks:
    Hey Bill Its me again and I've decided to plant that clearing. My question is would it be a good idea to mix two blends one being a mix of clover and grains while the other a mix of brassicas. I did some researched and confirmed this would save me a lot of money and give me more of a variety for early bow to lste gun season. Do you believe that this would be a good idea.
    Winke Responds:
    Carter, Nope, the brassicas have big leaves that will shade out the other stuff planted with it. I would go all brassicas or all clover and oats (or winter wheat). I would not mix brassicas with the clover/oat blend. Good luck.
  • Do deer eat pumpkins? Walnuts? Hickory nuts? Can you broadcast soybeans or do you need to drill them?
    Mike from OH asks:
    Hey Bill, I saw a question about pumpkins. Do they make a good food source for deer?? How about hickory? Walnuts? Is it ok to broadcast soybeans, or do they need drilled? Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, I don't know much about pumpkins. I know some of our pro staff in parts of Wisconsin grow them for food plots, so they must work in areas where the deer are used to eating them. I would have to learn a lot more about it before I offered an opinion on pumpkins. Be kind of fun though. If the deer don't eat them, you will have plenty of pumpkin pies to eat at Thanksgiving! Deer don't bother with walnuts and hickory nuts. Broadcasting soybeans will work fine. You will need to drag something over the top to roll some dirt over them. Then, ideally, you would pack them lightly to create good seed to soil contact. But if you get them dragged in shortly before a rain, they should be fine. Broadcast at about 150% of the drilled rate since some of the beans will be on top and won't grow, or birds will get them, etc. That means broadcasting at roughly 2 bags per acre is about right. Good luck.
  • Read the blog about mineral mixes, are brand name deer mineral mixes worth the extra cost?
    Todd from MA asks:
    Hi Bill: I was browsing thru the blogs and came across the article about mineral licks. I was reading the combo for the mix. My question is: do the store brand ready to use mixes worth the money or would making your own be a better investment. You can legally place mineral stations 10 days prior to hunting season in Ma so im covered there. Thanks in advance.. Todd from Mass
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, I have not done the research, but apparently Scott has. If the ingredients are essentially the same, the product is the same. However, I am not certain on the trace minerals. There may be some things that deer need that is not available in typical livestock related ingredients, but I am only guessing there. My suggestion, buy the ingredients, mix them and see how well the deer react. Scott suggests they hit these licks hard. Good luck.
  • Do deer like to eat raspberries?
    Allen from MN asks:
    do deer eat raspberries? i have a couple of large raspberry patches in the woods i hunt, but i dont know if deer eat them or not as i have never hunted them before.
    Winke Responds:
    Allen, I am not sure how things go up there, but here the berries are long gone by deer season. I think they may eat a few, but I have not seen any evidence that they love them. We have some big berry patches on our farm and we hit them every year in June, but never see any sign that deer are hitting them at all. I don't believe they eat the leaves either. I have sat near these patches often in the fall and can't ever remember seeing a deer browse the leaves. I would not say that the raspberries are high on their list. Good luck.
  • We hunt over food sources but they aren't standing fields. Why is that?
    Brian from WI asks:
    I have noticed that when hunting, we hunt over a food source & not a planted food plot. Such as a standing field of beans or corn and not the planted food plot. Why is this?
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, I am not sure. We hunt over food plots because we planted them specifically to hunt over. You are probably hunting over fields that the farmer picked. These can be productive too, but not as appealing as food plots because the concentration of available food is higher in a food plot than in a picked field.
  • Why do the people telling about the mineral recipes always tell you to wait to mix the ingredients until you plan to use them?
    James from MN asks:
    Hey Bill, I checked out that link with the video on mineral licks. It was great. I do have a question though. I noticed he said that he only mixes the minerals together right before he puts them out. I have heard this before but I have never understood why. I would like to buy a hundred pounds of each mineral and mix them all together at once so all I have to do grab it and go when its time to refresh the sites (I have quite a few of sites on several different tracts of land) Do you see a problem with mixing it all in advance? As always, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. James
    Winke Responds:
    James, I am not sure. I guess you can try it with a small bit. Keep it dry in a five-gallon covered bucket. Possibly even in large totes. I have seen some materials actively pull moisture from the air in humid conditions and turn kind of soft and soupy, but I am not sure if that is the case with a mineral mix or not. There may be some kind of chemical interaction between the ingredients that stabilizes when you spread the mix out on the ground. If there is a reason to keep them separate, it probably has something to do with absorbing moisture or with chemical action. It is not that hard to mix from totes into a bucket each time. Good luck.
  • Can I get away with planting a three-acre field to soybeans or will the deer wipe it out?
    Angelo from NY asks:
    Bill; Your shows are great! I have 400 plus acres in Catskill region of NY. In Sept 2009 I planted about 8 acres in six different plots. Various Clovers, Rye Grain, Chicory, Birdsfoot Trefoil,etc. Had Deer feeding in most of the plots, but not all of them. I have one 7 acre field left and I want to do Corn & Soybeans, with Corn by the road and the Beans hidden in the back lower side of the plot. But I can only see planting about three (hidden) acres in Beans and I read that the crop could be wiped out by the Deer etc., before the October or November season. Should I take a chance to plant three acres of Beans?
    Winke Responds:
    Angelo, It depends on your deer density. If the density is high they will hit it hard, but I doubt they will knock back three acres. That is a pretty big chunk of beans. I would think you can get away with it. Deer will learn after a few years, where the food is at and will start to key on it, but for sure you can get away with it for at least one year. You may have to rethink by year three. Good luck.
  • Which do deer prefer for late season: corn or brassicas?
    Brian from NY asks:
    What seems to draw deer better for you in the late season. brassica or corn? Early season do you see deer in them also? Which will provide more nutrients and amount of food for the deer over the winter?
    Winke Responds:
    Brian, I think they both have their place, but if I had to pick one over the other, I would choose corn. Corn is high in carbohydrates while the brassicas have some protein content and sugars but are not high in carbs. The carbs are what the deer are looking for when it gets really cold. Brassicas work well too because deer do like to add the green forage to their diet whenever possible during the winter.
  • How can I keep the deer I see on my trail cameras during the summer from leaving my hunting area during the season?
    Chanse from MO asks:
    What should I do? During the late summer we set out deer cams and come deer season the deer are no where around. I mean i know we had a bad rut but surely they haven't traveled to far away. What do you think happened to them? I keep in touch with all the other hunters around my area. By the way, i love your show. You and the guys (and girls) are big inspuration to me. Good Luck with the rest of your season!
    Winke Responds:
    Chanse, Thanks for your support. Some deer always disperse from their summer range to their fall range. Those two ranges may not both be on your hunting area for all the deer. In fact, it is very likely that a certain percentage (maybe nearly half) will disperse off no matter what you do. However, the best hope of keeping more deer on the property during the season is to plant food plots and to hunt carefully so as not to let the deer know you are hunting them. Those are probably the two main things you can do to improve your hunting next year. I would focus on planting clover the first year (and possibly some brassicas like Frigid Forage Big N Beasty) in smaller, isolated plots. Once you get the feel for it, you can try other food sources such as soybeans. Good luck.
  • What should I plant in an old pasture on a bluff top in Pike County, IL? Also, when are minerals most useful in promoting antler growth?
    Drew from IL asks:
    Hey bill love the show. Good luck in the upcoming voting for the television series. I hunt on a 200 acre property in pike county IL on the top of a bluff. There is an old grown up cattle pasture back in the woods on the top of the hill that connects many ridges and revines. I hunt back in the woods off of an old logging road but it seems that there is more activity in the pasture going from one patch of woods to the another. I was wanting to see if i could stop them long enough for a shot somehow so i thought i would plant a food plot next spring or summer. I just bought a tripod to set up in the pasture and i was wanting the clear about one acre and plant food plot to hunt over.Do you have any suggestions on what product or products to plant? The area gets a full day of sun light and will drain very quicky because its on the top of the bluff. I was also wanting to start a mineral site. Any suggestions on where to place it? And When is a mineral site most affective for antler growth?Th
    Winke Responds:
    Drew, I would probably plant half the food plot to clover this coming spring and the other half (1/2 acre) to a brassica blend such as Frigid Forage Big N Beasty come mid-summer. That will give you early fall and late fall attraction in the plot. Minerals are most used during the time when bucks are growing antlers and does are lactating. That means from about April 1 through about September 1 is their primary time of use. Check the laws first before putting out a mineral site. They are not legal in every state and some laws require that you not hunt within a certain distance of them. Good luck.
  • How can I improve the browse production on my hunting land?
    marc from MI asks:
    Bill, I have two places I hunt. One is a 120a farm and the other is a 40a plot in amongst a lot of farms and part of an unusually large tract of woods for the area which makes it a great late season spot as far as bedding goes. Both offer great bedding but little food wise. In fact the 120 had no crops for the past two seasons. Both are almost all mature pine and medium growth maple with thick willow and scrub for bedding areas. How can I improve these food wise if I can't rely on crops or food plots? Growing browse seems like the solution.
    Winke Responds:
    Marc, Growing browse requires some dramatic alterations to the habitat. You have to get sunlight to the forest floor in order to bring the weeds into full bloom. These "weeds" are what the deer eat. Short of cutting down more mature trees and canopy-filling cover, there is really no way to stimulate browse. Some guys will burn the property at the right time of the year to kill the young saplings and stimulate ground-level growth of other plants. This may be a solution, but you would need to consult with someone who knows more about that than me. I have done extensive timber cutting (TSI) to remove junk trees, but I have never burned the timber. The other option is to open up small areas and plant them to traditional food plots. That is likely what I would try to do. Are there any 1/2 acre natural openings on the place? These can be cleared and planted to clover and/or brassicas. If the fields are larger you can look at planting more traditional late season crops such as corn and beans. Good luck.
  • What should I plant in my food plots in Northern Wisconsin?
    Jeff from WI asks:
    What should I plant in Northern Wisconsin that would last til gun season the end of November. The ground is usually frozen and snow covered at this time.
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, If you have limited acres, I would plant 1/3 of my food plot acres to clover and 2/3 to brassicas such as the Frigid Forage Big N Beasty blend. The clover you can plant in the spring and the brassicas in mid-summer. Good luck.
  • I don't have any crops on the farm - they are all turned under. What do you think the deer will be feeding on? How should I try to hunt the buck I am after this late season?
    Russell from MO asks:
    Bill-Just watched one of your recent shows aired on the Pursuit channel, and really enjoyed it. Really appreciate the "no-frills" approach to the show. The show was focused on late season hunting and you guys got a couple of good bucks and some does out of the same spot around the first of the year. It looked like you were hunting on the tip of a wooded finger over some CRP? Just curious why so many deer were coming through there before dark. Was there a good late winter food source that they were headed toward? I have couple of good farms over in Scott County, IL and I nor any of the adjacent farms have an excellent late winter food plot in. To make matters worse, all of the corn has been turned under for miles. Part of me thinks that the deer will be focused on acorns, and green browse for the remainder of the winter. Any thoughts? I've hunted for a very nice deer all Fall and I'm trying to anticipate what he might do on my farm with limited food. Obviously, I u
    Winke Responds:
    Russell, It was on the Sportman Channel. Thanks for the support. Mike and Chris were hunting a finger in CRP for sure, but on top of the nearby open ridge was an alfalfa field. When the snow comes off and things warm up, deer seem drawn to grasses and legumes to break up the steady diet of grains and browse. So they were piling into that alfalfa field even though it was early January and the hay had been dormant for a couple of months. They were still eating it heavily. I think that buck will leave your farm if you have limited food. He may still bed there, but he will travel to the best available food at night. He may browse a bit before he goes, but we have seen this often in the late season - trails beat down by the deer as they make long treks to the best food. When it gets really cold, they just remain near the food and bed there and don't return back home until the conditions are warmer. You have your work cut out for you. Late season success is all about the food. Food plots are great for the entire season, but they really pay for themselvees during the late season. Good luck.
  • I have standing corn in my hunting area yet the deer don't seem to be hitting it very hard; do I need to knock some of it down?
    Jeremy from GA asks:
    Bill, I have a good hunting spot consisting of a standing cornfield. The deer don't seem to be hitting it very much, even though I know the food is limited in the area. For example, a 50lb. bag of corn won't last two days in front of my trail cam. How can this be explained? Do I need to knock some of the corn down? I thought they should be hammereing this field, especially with the cold weather we are having. Thaks in advance. Jeremy
    Winke Responds:
    Jeremy, They are probably hitting it harder than you think - just kind of randomly (spread out). If you want proof, go ahead and knock some down. Just make sure that is legal there. My bet is that the stuff you knock down will be gone pretty fast. Good luck.
  • How long will deer keep feeding in a picked cornfield?
    Bob from WI asks:
    Most of the corn around our place came down in early November. My last hunt there before the gun season started was 3 weeks ago and I had a lot of deer in those corn fields. Now after the 9 day gun and 1 week muzzleloader I can get back out there. Is it possible they will still be in that picked corn? How long do you think picked corn fields are good for in farm country with probabably 30 plus deer per square mile?
    Winke Responds:
    Bob, It really depends on the size of the cornfield and the availability of other food sources. I would say the fields would be good for at least a month, deer will pick through the corn for quite a while until they have cleaned up everything. If there is no other food in the area, they will hit the corn harder and if that is the case, they are likely getting to the end of the corn about now. Good luck.
  • My hunting area is mosty big woods without any fields; what are the deer likely feeding on here?
    chris from MO asks:
    I cant seem to find a food source on the ground i am hunting.It is mostly woods there are not any fields around that have any crops there is a power line that runs threw it do you think they will feed on the grass in it during blackpowder season.
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, They are either leaving the area to feed or they are hitting one of two food sources: browse or acorns. It is hard to determine what they are browsing on because the list of what they won't eat is actually shorter than the list of what they will. So you have to contact a local deer biologist and and find out what the deer browse on in your area and try to find concentrations of their favorites. Otherwise, look for concentrations of oak trees with viable acorns. Unfortunatly, at this time of the year most of the good acorns are mopped up and the only ones left are the ones that have rotted or been eaten by worms. Be sure to check to be certain that they acorns you are finding are indeed viable seeds still and not rotten. That is about all you can do. Unfortunately, not all hunting areas are good for the late season. It is possible that your area is not well suited to successful late season hunting. If not, it would be good to find any possible way to improve the food supply before next year. Good luck.
  • Will the deer prefer picked cornfields, picked beanfields or alfalfa in the late season here in MN?
    Luke from MN asks:
    Hey Bill. It's November 30th and I assume the rut is just about over. I am going to put the trail cameras back out and wait for a few weeks before I start hunting again. There is a picked corn and bean field on one end of the farm. On the other end up on top of a bluff there is another picked corn field with alfalfa beside it. I was wondering if the alfalfa next to the picked corn would be more attractive or would the picked corn and picked beans be more attractive to the deer? I will definitely hunt over both fields but I was just wondering what field you think I should be more ambitious about hunting. Good luck with the rest of your season. You have a great show, I have definitely learned a lot from it.
    Winke Responds:
    Luke, I think the corn will be the best draw, but I have seen deer hit alfalfa well into the winter even with standing corn nearby, so I would focus on both of these. It is always tough to know for sure where they will feed when the crops are harvested. When they are standing and there is snow on the ground, it is easy to figure out. They will be in the standing crops, but when it all picked, they are much less concentrated, so you have to keep an eye on all of it. Good luck.
  • Do deer prefer greens to picked corn? What is the best way to grow beans in a secluded field?
    Jeff from WI asks:
    Hey Bill! First of all let me say that I absolutely love your show. I especially appreciated your most recent show on late season food hunting. So much emphasis is always put on the rut, but in reality the rut is less than 1/3 of the season! This season has been very disappointing for me. This is the first time in 5 years that I have not had a buck on the ground by this time. I don't want to give up so I plan on doing some late season hunting, which I have never really done much before. My question is: So I can be prepared for this situation in future seasons. Do you think that imperial wintergreens are any more appealing to deer in the late season than say a picked corn field is? Also, do you have any advice on planting a soybean plot in a secluded area not accessable with a tractor and grain drill? Thanks alot and keep up the good work!
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, Yes, the rut is just over with too fast. Makes me sad to think how much time I spend waiting and planning then - poof - it is over. It was a bad season for most folks so don't feel like you are alone. I think the greens will outperform a picked field and be on par with a standing cornfield. I think carbs (corn) are a big draw when it is really cold, but the greens are also very attractive throughout the late season. I guess the only option you have in the isolated plot is to get in there with a four wheeler with some kind of garden tiller on a trailer. First spray with the four wheeler ten days ahead and then get in there and till it all up by hand. You can't just throw beans out or they won't grow. You need to get them into the ground and your best bet is to work the soil, broadcast them and then drag something over them to work them in. Once they get up and growing well (about six inches tall or more) you can get back in there and spray them. Beans like direct sunlight, so if it is going to be in shade for several hours each day, you would do better with clover or the greens. Good luck.
  • What do you think of Deer Cane, Acorn Rage and C'Mere Deer products?
    Kaden from IA asks:
    Bill, What do you think about Deer cane, Acorn rage, and c'mere deer products.
    Winke Responds:
    Kaden, I have not used these products, but be careful because baiting is not legal in Iowa and using some attractants during the season will constitute baiting. Check with the game warden first. Good luck.
  • We have turnips and some standing beans on the farm I hunt in MO; will it it be a good hunt during the Muzzleloader season?
    dave from VA asks:
    Bill, thanks again for your hard work...I can't imagine. Question is involving missouri ML seasn 12/18-28. We have a few acres of standing beans and about 25 acres of turnips. Rut was hot and cold from 11/5-12. Do you think that ML season on those dates would produce consistent feeding activity or is it too early? All other food is long gone in the area. I would be hoping our 550 acres of crp switcgrass would be holding some good deer now that gun has closed out. thoughts? thanks again!
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, I think it sounds like a really good opportunity. The key is keeping the pressure off until you start hunting and then making the first time in a good one (don't take any chances with the winds). Your first hunt will likely be your best one on every field you hunt. Good luck.
  • Will deer come to an open field for cut crops? Should I plant a food plot back in the cover to improve my odds?
    Dalton from KS asks:
    I have noticed that most of the deer you shoot are in thick timber with a food plot. Do you think the big bucks won't show themselves in a cut corn/bean field? Should I venture deeper into the timber/brush to find the bucks i know we have around the farms i hunt. I have seen a few shooters along the corn edge but do you think it will increase if i find some heavy timber and i plant a food plot? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Dalton, I think they will come to cut food sources, but they are more likely to come to standing food as it is more convenient for them to feed. In order to get them to come to open fields during the day, it has be really cold pushing them to abandon caution. I would go slightly deeper in the hopes of catching them before they get to the fields. You will improve your hunting significantly if you plant a small plot back inside the timber. A half acre is perfect. It is our secret recipe for success around here. Small plots tucked in the timber a short ways. It will be good morning and evening and especially good during the rut. I would plant it to clover as small plots of corn or beans will get wiped during the summer. Also consider turnips or brassica blends such as Frigid Forage Big N Beasty. Good luck.
  • What food sources should I key on for mid-December hunt in MO? Any other advice?
    Matt Epps from GA asks:
    Hey Bill I'm heading to Missouri for a muzzleloader hunt in mid december. I realize its all about food source this time of year but which are the best food sources to focus on,(assuming where I'm hunting has all of them)? What else can I do to better my chances this time of year?
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, Corn or beans has been the best for us here and we are not far north of there. I would say, try to find standing crop, though that is hard. It is more attractive to the deer because it is much easier to access, especially if we have snow. Next, just try to find areas that aren't being hunted hard so the deer are comfortable going to food in the daylight. Pray for cold and snow if you want to see lots of deer. Warm and no snow will stop the late season feeding in its tracks. Good luck.
  • How long will deer keep hitting alfalfa? Is it still worth setting up for an afternoon hunt?
    Jeff from IN asks:
    Bill- I really enjoy the website and semi-live shows. I'm new to bow hunting (2nd year) and have learned a lot from you and the pro-staff. Thanks for all the hard work and especially for not being bashful about your faith. Here's my question - is it worth the time hunting over an alfalfa field this time of year (late Nov-Dec)? I've heard after the first frost it goes dormant and the deer don't prefer it, but if it's plentiful seems like they would still hit it in the cold. I'm considering placing a blind between the alfalfa and a CRP field (bedding area) to the west. Also, I'm guessing this set up would be best for evening hunts - is that right? Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Jeff, Thanks for your support and good luck. It is indeed an afternoon setup. I have seen deer here eat alfalfa well into late December even with beans and corn available, so I wouldn't hesitate to set up on the alfalfa. Good luck.
  • What do you know about planting bearded seeds when establishing warm season grass plantings?
    dave from VA asks:
    Bill, great site. I have a crp question. We have to put 80 acres into a common switchgrass blend of crp. We have gotten conflicting answers on how to plant it correctly. It has warm season grass seed, so it wont broadcast far and we've been told does not drill well. Latest answer is de-bearded seen through a notill. Any thoughts/experiences? Other credible sources. Thanks so much.
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, There are drill attachments that will handle bearded seeds. They have agitators. I don't have experience with those seeds as I only plant the Cave-In-Rock switchgrass. The bluestems varieties don't stand up well enough to snow to suit me. They go flat shortly after the first good snow. I would consult with the local agronomy office. I use the USDA's NRCS county office for a lot of this information as they execute plans all the time requiring the planting of bluestem and other bearded seeds. That is where I would start. There should be one in your county or an adjoining county. Good luck.
  • Bad rut this year, but saw most of my cruising between 10:30 and 3:00. Do you think the lack of corn could have affected this?
    Curtis from IA asks:
    This year has been one of the worst ruts that I can remember in the last 10 years. I have seen a fair share a bucks chasing but seems to be erratic. I have been seeing some great results (trail cam pics) from managing the land I hunt. I, like many others, were pretty excited to hunt the rut with no corn. I don't think I have ever had this opportunity. Now I'm wondering if I should have been careful for what I wished for. Do you think the corn being gone has something to do with the mature bucks not moving as much. In other words,does the corn work as a comfort blank for the bucks to feel safer, more cover. The mature bucks I have seen have mostly been cruising from 10:30 till about 3 or 3:30. What do you think? I have spent a lot of time in the stands not seeing the big guys and have had time to try and figure this year out.
    Winke Responds:
    Curtis, No, all my corn (most of it anyway) is still standing and my rut experience has been like yours. They simply are not moving. Maybe all the bucks decided not to breed this year - kind of like a strike. That is what it seems like. At least they seem to have decided not to go looking for does. Very little daylight activity and we aren't even seeing that many bucks crossing roads at night. Like about half of them decided not to breed this year. Strange. You may be on to something with the midday activity. That is the one wild card in all this. Thanks for the input. Good luck.
  • I have a 15 acre field bordering my neighbor's land. Should I plant the whole thing to food or plant some to cover?
    Garry from AL asks:
    Bill, I have a location which is an old ag field that is about 15 acres and abuts my neighbors land which is all forested (mature oaks which is leased by my neighbor to hunters). I planted the ag field in corn this year. The corn is really attractive to the deer and I've seen more deer than I ever have. We haven't approached rifle season yet so I don't know what impact my field will have on my neighbors success. My question is do you think if I planted the entire field in corn all the way to the fence line (neighbors wouldn't be able to see in due to height of corn--and I could even plant a screen of cedars or pines on the border) and just hunted the inside corner of the interior of my property overlooking the corn that I would mow in strips from my stand, or should I plant the field mostly in cover and plant a small plot of clover or something? My worry with planting it in bedding is the deer will be influenced by and travel to my neighbors land, but the corn also has disadva
    Winke Responds:
    Garry, I would plant cover between your field and the neighbor to be sure. Even if you get along well with your neighbor, it is still a good idea to make your food plots secluded. I don't think I would plant the entire 15 acres to food every year as that would seem to be overkill to me. Maybe three 3 acre plots separated from each other and from the neighbor by cover. That way you can altenate your hunting pressure over the three plots, bring the deer in closer to the stand or box in each and keep from burning out the entire area at once when you climb down, etc. Three smaller plots would be my advice. Good luck.
  • When do deer stop feeding on alfalfa and clover?
    Allen from MN asks:
    How long will the deer continue feeding in a field of clover/alfalfa?
    Winke Responds:
    Allen, I have seen them feed on alfalfa all the way up until the snow covered it in late December down here. It was all frosted and brown and they were still walking through soybeans and standing corn to eat it. Clove seems to lose its appeal about the time it flattens to the ground - typically after a few hard freezes. That would be late November here, probably a bit sooner up there. Good luck.
  • When is the best time to hunt acorns - morning or evening?
    chad from IN asks:
    when is the best time to hunt acorn trees? morning or evening..thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Chad, In my experience, deer will feed heavily on them both morning and evening. So hunt both times. Good luck.
  • Deer seem to just pass through the MO farm I hunt; any ideas on how to make them stay on the farm during hunting hours?
    David from MI asks:
    I get to hunt on a large piece of northern Michigan property that is very dry and has little bedding area. Most deer seem to pass through in the evening. Any suggestions to get deer to stop and pause during hunting hours?
    Winke Responds:
    David, If possible, you need some food plots to anchor them a bit. If not, I would think that any kind of natural travel route like a fence line or draw will be a good place to catch those traveling bucks first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon during the rut. Good luck.
  • You have said the deer leave the beans when the leaves turn yellow, do they come back to beans after they dry?
    Ted from LA asks:
    You have said that when the beans turn yellow, the deer move to another food source, but will return to eat the dried beans. How long before the beans dry and the deer return?
    Winke Responds:
    Ted, They do come back to the beans when the bean itself dries down. Then they focus on the beans (pod and all). That occurs about two weeks after the leaves drop off and they will eat them all winter til they are gone. Beans are a great choice for food plots.
  • With the crops picked, will the bucks leave my hunting area or will they feed on the stubble?
    Eric from MN asks:
    Hi! i wrote you awhile back about hunting 60 acres of woods surrounded by corn and beans and you gave me some good advice thank you. now the farmer took down all the beans and corn. with only a couple of oak trees in the woods(mostly cedar). My question is, do you think the bigger mature bucks are going to roll out? or is there usually enough stubble on the ground to last them?
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, I would guess they will stay there until the onset of winter, at which time they will seek the best food sources in the area. If there is nothing much better than the waste grain in the stubble, they will likely stay there as they like to bed in cedar thickets in the winter. I would not be looking for anywhere else to hunt just yet. Good luck.
  • My apple trees need a cultivar to produce fruit; what does that mean?
    Jacob from MI asks:
    This past spring i planted about a dozen honeycrisp apple trees. After doing some research i found out that these trees are not self fruiting, and that they need a cultivator tree. What exactly does this mean? and what do i need to do to get them to bear fruit in the future?
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, They need a tree to attract the bees that will then carry the pollen from tree to tree. In most of the materials I have read regarding my own apple tree plantings, they recommend a crab apple tree as a cultivar, but you should look that up on the internet (do a google search under "cultivars for Honey Crisp" and see what you find out. Or call a good nursery for the answer. Good luck.
  • How long will deer keep feeding in a corn field after the farmer picks it?
    russ from AL asks:
    Bill I have leased some land up in NE Missouri and we have a 150 acr. of corn, was wondering after they harvest it how long will the deer hit it?
    Winke Responds:
    Russ, Probably for several weeks (the rest of the fall) depending on how many deer you have and how cleanly the guy picks it. When the deer have eaten all the waste corn (that will take a while on a big field) they will move on. They will transition sooner if there are food sources available that are easier (more efficient for them) such as standing food plots or crop fields.
  • What should I put in front of my trail cameras to get the deer to stick around longer?
    Travis York from NB asks:
    I have a trail cam set up on a deer trail and the deer arent sticking around eating the apples. I was wondering if you could tell me what i should put out or do to get them to stick around the apples.
    Winke Responds:
    Travis, Corn is the best I have found. Good luck.
  • How do you prepare the soil for planting acorns?
    MIKE from OH asks:
    Bill I want to thank you for the show, and Jason for taking time out of his day to interview me and take pictures of my deer. My queston is about all the acorns this year. I gathered white oak acorns and wanted to plant them, but wondered if u planted in the fall or spring and what soil prep needs done.
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, Congrats on the great buck, by the way. Plant them in the fall. First till the soil like you were planting a garden and then spread the acorns before a light disking or dragging to incorporate them about an inch or two under the soil. Just be sure the acorns you use are viable (not worm-eaten). You do this by dropping them in a bucket of water. The floaters are typically not viable seeds. Good luck.
  • Why do you use corn with your trail cams? When do you pull the cameras? How long do you leave them out? Etc.
    Eric from NC asks:
    I've noticed the same on my property with regards to having summer deer leaving and a different set of fall ranged deer entering my area. Curious how often you'll be checking your trail cameras now that you're using them "during the season" and how long will you leave them out? Do you always put corn out for the pics and will you do that the rest of the season for the trail cams or is this just a couple week thing? I'm getting new pics of deer on my camera and have green fields and 10 acres of standing corn. However, I'm not getting as many pics as I was in the summer so am not sure if I should throw some corn out to get more pics. Also, is there a reason a deer would go to shelled corn over a standing field of corn (i.e. why would they prefer shelled corn in front of a camera when they have a field full of it, as I know you have from your videos)...wasn't sure if it's just easier to get to or what?
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, I am not sure my approach is the best one, but it fits my current thinking. I could change my mind if I learn more and realize that I am missing something. However, I don't leave cameras long in one location - about ten days. I always use corn to concentrate the deer in my food plots and get the fastest possible inventory. Also my cameras have moderate to slow trigger speeds and I need to stop the deer in order to get a decent photo. I just want to know where the bucks are leading up to the time I am going to hunt them. I start hunting on Oct 25 each year. I want all my cameras out of the woods by then. I start early enough that I can get photos in one location and then move them to different locations for ten more days and then pull them out of the woods before I start hunting. My corn piles are almost always right in food plots or along commercial ag fields, spots I can drive to with my truck ((Ideally). Like I said, there may be a better way. I am sure the guys checking cameras all fall know more about their deer than I do, but I just don't want to mess with it. Also, I still like a little bit of the unknown when I hunt. I would hate to boil it down to a science where it stops feeling like a hunt and starts feeling like shopping. Then I think I would lose interest. That is my philosophy on trail cam use, it may change by next year. Good luck.
  • Should I be hunting the picked corn fields or are the deer still on acorns?
    Brandon from KS asks:
    Bill, Love the shows, been following you for three seasons now, wow time flys by! Have learned so much from your format, thanks again. I noticed the corn has been cut this week. I have a stand in a funnel leading to the cut corn that rolls down off of a ridge. When should we start hunting this ? Would now be the time or will they still be on the acorns ? Thanks God bless.
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, They are still on acorns here, but if your acorn crop is less than ours, you will likely find them heading to corn. Deer love to hit fields right after they are combined. I think they like the easy pickings of loose grain right on the ground. If you see a lot of fresh tracks where the trail comes into the field, that would also be an indication that it might be time to hunt the corn. You can't go wrong there, but if you have a lot of acorns, that is likely where the deer are. Good luck.
  • Are the beans turning yellow in Iowa?
    steve from MN asks:
    WHAT STAGE ARE THE BEANS AT DOWN IN IOWA. ARE THEY TURNING YELLOW.
    Winke Responds:
    Steve, Yes most of them are. The deer are still in them a bit, but not like they were in August. I would say the transition is in place toward the corn and clover at this time.
  • I am not seeing as many deer as I saw last year when there were beans around hunting spot; do you think the deer are in the corn?
    Brandon from NC asks:
    Hi Bill, I am hunting inside the woods of a standing corn field and not seeing the deer like I was last year when it was beans in the field..Are the deer staying in the standing corn and not coming in the woods?? Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Brandon, That would certainly be my guess. They like to live in the corn. When the corn gets picked, they will show back up. Until then, if you can find a weedy patch in the corn field or a small patch of trees in the field, you might have some fun hunting right in the middle of the corn. Otherwise, you will just have to wait until the corn gets picked. Good luck.
  • Why aren't the the deer eating apples this year like they did last year?
    philip from ON asks:
    why are the deere not eating apples like they where last year?
    Winke Responds:
    Philip, I am not sure the answer to that one. Could be the apples aren't ripe yet or the deer have plenty of other preferred food sources nearby this year that were not there last year. Maybe there is some kind of disturbance (a coyote den or something like that) nearby that is keeping them away. Without knowing all the variables, it is hard to say. My guess is that they have other food sources this year and will move in on the apples when the other source is gone or when it loses its palatability due to the time of year. Good luck.
  • I am not getting many white oak acorns on the trees here; is there something I can do to help them along?
    Jim from AL asks:
    How come my white oaks never seem to bear acrons and is there some thing I can do to help them? They are fairly large (cant get my arms around them). If they due bear they are really small and not many. Thanks JP
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, That is a tough question. We have had a couple of poor white oak years here too. They are tempermental and it has to do with spring weather during pollination and summer moisture. I am no expert on the white oak, but we have had a couple of bad years for them too. However, back in 2008, the trees were so full of acorns I thought the branches would break. It was unreal. You can fertilize the biggest trees with 20 pounds of a basic fertilizer like Triple-13 sprinkled in a circle at the drip line (outer edge of the tree's branches), but that will only help in years when the trees are primed to pull off a decent pollination.
  • Will deer keep going to beans as long as they are green? Do they hit corn before it is picked?
    jacob from MO asks:
    Bill, sorry for so many questions but the beans i have a stand on now were planted late. I think they will stay good for awhile. Will this stand be better in mornings or afternoons? Will tje corn only be good after its been.chopped?
    Winke Responds:
    Jacob, As long as the beans are grean, the deer will hit them. Then after the beans dry down and the pods dry down (usually in mid-October) the deer will start on them again - eating the pods and not the leaves this time around. However, this is typically when the farmers pick them, so the beans are generally less useful late than they are early. Deer will eat the corn right off the ear as it stands on the stalk, so no, you can expect them to be hitting the corn all the time. They will move very hard toward fields right after they are picked, but that only lasts a few days. Before that they will still be hitting the corn. Good luck.
  • What is the best situation for hunting trees that are dropping acorns?
    Jordan from IN asks:
    I was wondering what kind of terrain should i start looking for acorns in? and should i look for a large group of trees or just two or three together in a small spot?
    Winke Responds:
    Jordan, I like to find isolated pockets of oaks that are loaded up with acorns. That concentrates the deer more making it easier to get them within bow range. If you hunt a big area of oak, the deer will be very scattered.
  • I can't hunt my MO spot except in early October; what food sources should I concentrate on?
    Matt from GA asks:
    Hey Bill thanks for answering my question about decoys in early October. I wish I could be up there a little closer to the rut but it didn't work out that way. Anyway I am not very familiar with these farms in Missouri that this lease is part of. It is several acres of agriculture and some woods that I can basically choose from. During early October if you were me would you focus on the soy beans, staging areas around the standing corn, or tracts of timber? I only have about 4 days to hunt so I feel like I need to have a plan and stick with it. What should I do?
    Winke Responds:
    Matt, On a hunt that short, you need to take a few more chances than you would if you were hunting that area for the entire season. Try to guess at the most likely bedding areas and spend your mornings in these areas. Likely, they will be ridges in broken country (ideally with oak trees dropping acorns) or isolated pockets of cover in flatter, more agricultural areas. In the eveings focus on the corn. The beans will likely be turning and not as attractive. Staging areas near corn fields or actual trails leading into the corn in the evening. If you can find alfalfa or clover fields, they are also good evening stands at that time of the year. It will not be an easy hunt, but you never know what might happen. Good luck.
  • What days would you hunt in Alberta? Why is your entire farm in corn?
    cameron from AB asks:
    Hi Bill I have two questions for you first, If you had 14 days to hunt in alberta what dates would you pick? also I noticed you have said that your farm is all corn this year, why did you plant all corn and not other crops like beans and barasics? thanks bill
    Winke Responds:
    Cameron, I would pick October 28 - November 12 or roughly in that range of dates. This is the first year that I have cash rented the farm ground on our farm. In the past, I always had it custom farmed so that I owned the crops and then just paid local farmer to put it in and take it out. That gives me a lot of control over what get planted and when it gets picked. However, finances were tighter this year with hiring people and buying a building for Midwest Whitetail production so I decided not to hang all that input money out there at risk. The farmer wanted to plant everything to one crop to keep from having to bring two grain heads over here for his combine come fall. He selected corn. I just had him plant my food plots (about 30 acres) at the same time and they all went into corn too. So I have just four acres of beans on the entire farm. There was no good reason for it - that is just the way it turned out. However, it will never happen again. Without beans or alfalfa, it is very hard to see and film bucks in the summer. They are still here, I am sure, just not visible.
  • What do deer eat in areas without any crops or food plots?
    mohammad ali from MI asks:
    hey bill, of what you know could you tell me what deer eat when there is no crops or food plots in an area, do they leave the place or just feed on dry grass and water? By the way i love your website its really cool i learned alot from it, it actually got me into the hunting excitement, sorry for the questions i ask, hopefully this might be my last one.
    Winke Responds:
    Mohammad, You definitely have kept me on my toes with all the quesions, but we all have to learn and start somewhere. I am just happy that we helped you get into hunting. Deer are browsers, so even without crops and food plots, they browse on certain leaves, acorns, locust pods, weeds, buds, vines, berries, etc. However, when they run out of food, they move. It is likely that they have more food in the area you are referring to than what you may think because of this browsing nature. However, that said, if there is a preferred crop nearby, like corn or beans, they will travel a pretty good distance to feed in that area. This usually starts to happen after December 1 in most areas of the Midwest. Good luck this fall.
  • When the bucks get done using my mineral site in September, will they stick around eating the corn and beans in the area or will they leave?
    Brad from MO asks:
    Bill, I have a mineral site in an old grown-up road bed between a corn field and a bean field. I've been getting two mature eights on my trail camera night after night, and they're feeding at the mineral site. When the bucks stop using the mineral site in September, will they desert the area, or is there a good chance they will stick around for beans and corn? Thanks, Brad
    Winke Responds:
    Brad, They may desert the area, but not because they no longer need the mineral. They may desert it because some bucks have a specific summer range and specific (but differnt) fall range. After shedding velvet, they tend to disperse over the next few weeks (two to three weeks) into their fall ranges. By October, typically, most bucks have made this transition. Not all will disperse, but some will. The only way you know for sure is to reestablish their location with a camera or sightings. Also, if you saw buck in a certain area last fall, there is a pretty good chance he will be in the same area this fall, regardless of whether he spent his summer there. Not all bucks disperse. I hope that helps.
  • Do deer treat standing corn as both food and bedding? If so, when would they be using the area?
    Brent from MI asks:
    Hey Bill, would it be safe to say that a standing corn field acts not only as a food source, but a bedding area as well? I guess what I am asking is, How often do you think whitetails utilize standing corn fields as bedding areas, and are the times of day in which they bed there different because they are also using it as a food source? as always....thank you very much! you are the guru!
    Winke Responds:
    Brent, Yes, that is definitely safe to say. When I used to hunt MI I found deer in the corn all the time. I used to actually hunt the corn and would often encounter them. The best strategy is to find a small opening (like a slough or patch of brush) and put up a ground blind (or build one). You can also hide right in the corn but it is harder to draw your bow without being seen. Small fields next to cover are easier to hunt than great big fields. You might also consider sitting atop an irrigation pivot as many of the fields there are irrigated. The deer often walk the tire tracks from the pivot and they never look up. It is a pretty cool way to hunt, actually. Good luck.
  • Is it too late to plant soybeans? Where should I buy them?
    billy from OK asks:
    Dear Bill, I live in oklahoma and am anticipating on planting soy beens i was wondering if you could sugest where i could purchase them and a when i should plant them. I am planting them in a five acre feild that has previously had wheet in it. Is it too late to plant them?
    Winke Responds:
    Billy, I still have about ten acres of beans that I need to get planted too. It just never stop raining here. It is not too late for planting soybeans assuming you don't get an early frost and that you get adequate rainfall this summer. It is nice to get them in sooner so you can benefit from spring rains to get them established well before the summer dry periods come in. However, beans are not overly expensive so it is definitely worth a try. I would suggest buying them from the local co-op elevator. Where do the local farmers buy their seed and where do they go when they want their fields sprayed? That is where I would start. The co-op attendant can likely sell you some beans or tell you who can. Good luck.
  • Can I plant Beans in a low pH soil? When do I need to plant them by?
    Pete from MI asks:
    Hey Bill hope all is going well, quick question I have a good area for a food plot but the ph is around 5.8 I have tried clover and even the alfa rack plus it came up ok but not great I have limed the snot out of it but the ph is still low. anyhow my question is do you think soy beans would do ok in a low ph soil also how late can i plant them. Thanks for your help.
    Winke Responds:
    Pete, They like a more pH neutral soil too, but I have have grown them OK in soil with 5.9 pH. It takes some time for the lime to bring the pH up. You can also try a quick lime that is easily dissolved and is useable for the first year. If you have a typical first hard frost around Oct. 1, you will need to get the beans in by about June 10 or 12 for best success. Good luck.
  • Where should I plant my white oak trees?
    Alex from OH asks:
    I was just wondering if you think planting a dozen white oak trees scattered around my 300 acre farm would be best or do you think if I concentrated them in one specific part of my farm would be best? Thanks...Love the show.
    Winke Responds:
    Alex, I would probably scatter them. Oak likes direct sunlight so be sure to place them in fairly open areas - not back in the timber. Use tree tubes and fences to keep the rabbits from chewing the bark during the winter and prevent the deer from rubbing and browsing on the small tree until it can fend for itself. They grow faster when tubed, as well. Good luck.
  • Will turnips grow in the shade?
    Drew from MO asks:
    hey first off i love your show i watch it every week and you teach me a lot. i was wondering if you knew if turnips would grow in the shade? if they don't what do you think would be best to put in a shady spot?
    Winke Responds:
    Drew, Turnips still need a few hours of sunlight each day, but because of their large leaves they do better in the shade than many other types of plants. There is no food plot quality planting that I am aware of that does well in strict shade. Cutting a few trees here and there can make a big difference.
  • Can I plant turnps right into my clover or do I need to kill the clover first?
    Gary Schrock from IL asks:
    Watched your shows this last year and noted hunting over turnip fields after a hard frost. My brother and I have 4= 1/2 acre food plots one on each side of a small area of woods that we hunt. They currently have clover which does a good job of attracting deer. Question is can I drill turnip seed right over the clover and in essence mix the two or would it be better to till the clover under and broadcast the turnip seed? Where do you get your turnip seed ? Is one turnip better than another ?
    Winke Responds:
    Gary, I wouldn't drill right into the clover. I would wait until the clover plays out, (as it all does after a few years) or select a part of each plot that has turned mostly to grass and convert that to turnips. I would use a combination of seven top, purple top and dwarf Essex rape in equal amounts. In other words, if one of the turnips is rated at 2 pounds per acre, I would plant 2/3 pound per acre of that one. Divide each planting rate by 3 and mix them well. The other option is to use a pre-made mix. We are going with Big & Beasty from our new sponsor Frigid Forage this year. It is a good mix and has proven itself well over the years. If you go online, you can usually find seed dealers. Just search under "turnip seed" or something like that. Or go straight to www.frigidforage.com for the mix.
  • When do you plant apple trees?
    Alex from OH asks:
    I've been looking all over the internet on what and when to plant apple trees and I was wondering what your opinion is on when to plant them? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Alex, I planted 40 in October of 2007, but the guy I buy my trees from said that most people plant in the spring. Around now. The downside of a spring planting is the need to water them all summer. If you plant in the fall, they generally will go dormant soon after and will then have lots of soil moisture for the first couple months after they break dormancy. Either way, you will proably have to water them during dry times for their first summer. Check with your source of trees to see when they recommend planting.
  • Why would beans work better than corn during the late season?
    John from IL asks:
    Hello Bill, hope all is well. I hoped our paths would have crossed at the Illinois Deer classic but I must have missed you on Friday. Anyhow, I enjoyed every minute of your show and look forward to next year. My question is in regards to late season food plots. I've read your articles on cold temps and how deer need carbohydrates/corn, but im interested in planting beans as well and wondered if you could offer some insight as to why deer would prefer beans to corn late in the year. Thank you for your time and inspiration, John
    Winke Responds:
    John, Thanks for your support of the show. I hope you enjoyed the IL Deer Classic. I am not sure that the deer will prefer beans to corn. I plant both and they both get hit pretty hard during the late season. I think when it is really cold, the corn is a better draw, but we see lots of deer on the beans too, so I don't think I would even necessarily say that. I think planting both is a good plan. The beans are a bit more deer tolerant during the summer, so they tend to work better in areas with moderate to high numbers. Good luck.
  • What is your favorite food plot for deer?
    ryan from KS asks:
    What is your absolute favorite food to plant for deer?
    Winke Responds:
    Corn and beans in 75% and clover and brassica blends in 25%. If I had to pick just one thing, probably beans.
  • What kind of food plots do you plant? Will you be at IL Deer Classic?
    Phil from IL asks:
    What kind of food source do you find deer hitting almost say.. 80% of bowhunting season? I have found out that the area I hunt they go after the beans and clover. I have bowhunted over a cut cornfield probably 10 times and not seen one deer. Also do you know when the Illinois Deer Clasic is? Still Bloomington? Obsessed with your show! There isnt anything like it!
    Winke Responds:
    Phil, We hunt over beans a lot, but late season corn is also very good. Check with a game warden, but if it is legal, knock the corn down shortly before you start hunting over a corn plot. The deer really like it best when they can gnaw the corn off the ground versus having to stick their noses up into the husk when the corn is standing. My plots are a combination of beans, clover, corn and brassicas every year. Probably 60% corn and beans, 25% clover and 15% turnips - roughly. We will be at the IL Deer Classic. I won't be there, but the IL team will be. It is in Bloomington again and is Feb. 26-28.
  • What is the best food plot for my SW Virginia hunting area?
    Matthew from VA asks:
    Hey Winke i am a huge fan of your shows and i was wonder what is the best type of food to use to attract deer and help give them protien that will grow in the SW parts of Virginia? Corn,Standing beans,Turnups,or just a food plot that i can buy from my local wal-mart. and when is the best time to plant the type of plant you recomend.
    Winke Responds:
    Matthew, I would probably have clover if you have only a single small plot to set aside for deer. A good clover blend like the Trophy Clover blend from Frigid Forage (they sponsored our MN show last season) or other proven plot companies is ideal. If you plant a straight clover such as all white clover, you run the risk that adverse conditions can wipe you right out. That is why blends are so nice. If you have more acres to plant, then I would rotate beans and corn every other year on the bulk of the acres with at least 25% in clover and about 15% in turnips. Plant the clover in the spring, typically, the corn and beans in the spring and turnips in late July. If you are new to food plots, it is wise to talk to a good local farmer before you dive in. They can offer tips on what will grow in the soils you have and how best to care for the soil and the plants. Good luck.
  • I have about 1/2 to 1 acre for a food plots this year. What would you recommend?
    Dan from MI asks:
    Hi Bill, First off, I love your show. I just started watching in Fall of 2009 and have been hooked. The land I hunt is a narrow strip of woods that is about 10 acres of bedding sanctuary which funnels into a 10 acre grass field that has small clusters of trees. At the end of this strip is a 65 acre agricultural field. Basically, the deer funnel from bedding thru the open field/trees to feed in the farmers field. This past year, though, the soy beans were harvested in mid-October, and then when the leaves fell, such a small plot of land no longer offered any appeal or privacy for the deer. I'm hoping the farmer puts in corn this coming year so the deer have more cover for late season, but what food plots could I put in (I can plant maybe 1/2-1 acre max (per landowner)) to attract/keep the deer moving through this property, even in the late season? I was thinking clover and maybe turnips, and if so, when do you recommend I plant them? Thanks for any help you can offer! Dan
    Winke Responds:
    Dan, Clover is a good choice for hunts up until about mid-November. After that, it looses its attraction. That is when turnips and other brassica blends come into play. Frigid Forage has some very good brassica blends for northern hunting areas. I would cut the plot in half between the two and rotate them every second year. Clover is a perrenial and does best when planted early spring or late summer. Turnips/brassicas are an annual and do best when planted in late July through early Aug. Good luck.
  • When the deer are browsing back in the woods at this time of year, what are they eating?
    Jon from IA asks:
    Hi Bill, Man is it COLD here. Seems like it is tough to find deer out in the fields lately w the deeper crusted snow. So deer must be browsing in the timber. What is the best browse for deer in this part of the season. Thanks, Jon
    Winke Responds:
    It is very cold, but I am definitely seeing the deer heading to the standing crop. If you have any standing corn nearby, you can bet the deer will be there. If not, I suspect a certain number of them will be pawing through the crust to get to the food scattered underneath. In the timber look for them to be eating buds about now, any new growth from last year's trees and seedlings, left over berries, even leaves from selected trees such as maple and hedge. I don't know what all they eat. They seem to browse on just about everything. It is my guess that the list of what they won't eat would be shorter than the list of what they will. Makes it tough to pick a pattern. Impossible really.
  • Can too many turnips be bad for a deer?
    Josh from WI asks:
    hey Bill love the show, I heard that if deer eat too many turnips it can be bad for them! do you have any input on this!!! thanks Josh Huray!!
    Winke Responds:
    Josh, I have never heard that one, but in my experience it is hard to get a deer to eat too much of anything. The other day the deer left my beans after only about 15 minutes and started to eat dry grass on the field edge. They are pretty good at knowing what they need to balance their digestive systems. I will check into it though.
  • Will deer eat milo in all stages of development?
    Chris from OK asks:
    Hey Bill, will deer eat milo in all stages of development or just when it's mature? Would it be a good food source in mid to late september? thanks, Chris
    Winke Responds:
    Chris, They leave milo alone until the seed is in what some call the dough stage. It is a period when the seeds are filled and just starting to dry down. If planted at nomal times, this would put the dough stage in September, generally. It is the stage in development of the milo seed that the deer really favor. They will hit milo (sorghum) over anything else when the seeds are in the dough stage. It would be a very good choice, but try to get planted by late May - early June at the latest to hit the September timeframe you desire.
  • Should I hunt corn or beans? How early should I be out for an evening hunt?
    Alan from MN asks:
    Bill, Would you concentrate on picked beans or corn this time of year in NE Iowa. I have a good evening stand picked out for both but the beans have thicker bedding areas close by but I know they really hammer the corn to. Your thoughts and how early would you be set up for the evening hunt? Thanks,
    Winke Responds:
    Alan, I would hunt anything that is standing (unharvested) first. If you don't have any standing crops, go for the picked corn. Deer favor corn in cold weather. Check both food sources for signs of tracks. If both are hit equally, I would spread my pressure and hunt both. If the field is isolated and not visible from roads, the deer can be out at any time of the day. It pays to be out there by 2:00 for sure. Even a bit earlier if you can stick out the cold that long.
  • Why all of a sudden am I seeing bigger bucks on my WV hunting area?
    Jason from WV asks:
    I hunt an area in WV that is notorious for producing small racked bucks. The deer are very over-populated here also. I have hunted the same property (70 acres) for 5 years now and I have had to shoot spikes and does to fill the freezer. I did happen to bag a small 5 point three years ago and that was the biggest I had seen. It's not that I want to shoot spike bucks but that's all there seem to be. However, this year all of a sudden it seems as though the deer herd has took a turn for the better. We have seen multiple young 6 and 8 point bucks and even seen one 10 point far off. The mast production was pretty poor last year too so what do you think caused this change in the bucks on this property?
    Winke Responds:
    Jason, It has to be age. Pure and simple. For some reason, more bucks are getting through to get a year older now than in the past. If you lay off the young bucks yourself and focus on shooting just does and the occassional nice older buck, I think you will find that it will get even better. A good food plot (probably clover) would also help. Good luck.
  • Do you think my lack of sightings was due to the weather, moon phase or standing crops?
    Tony from IA asks:
    Hey Bill, awesome site. I've seen several articles here and other sites concering this years rut. I've been bow hunting the same timbers for ten years now and they are generally alive with deer before, during and after the rut. This year all three timbers are empty. Very little to no daytime movement. Little has changed as far as hunting pressure and the deer population has only gone up if anything. There is also an abundance of sign. But the farmers have been unable to harvest the corn yet with most of it still standing. My stands are at least a half mile from the nearest corn. So my Q is do you think that mature standing corn can draw that many deer to cause the affect that I'm seeing or do you think that it's more a combination of the corn, warm weather and bright clear night skies during this years November big moon? Maybe it's none of them and it's just me. I can accept that too. But after 150 hours on stand this year it has me puzzled. Thanks for all your efforts with MW. Tony
    Winke Responds:
    Tony, I don't think it was the moon as much as it was the warm weather and the crops. We saw good activity during the few cool days we had during the rut. However, I have noticed that I am not seeing many deer this year. I am seeing about 1/2 the number I usually see. I am not sure if it is because of the herd reduction efforts in the area or the standing crops. I guess I won't know for sure until the corn comes out. Good luck.
  • There will be standing corn where I hunt this season. Should I go in early or wait approach the stand at first light?
    Tim from MS asks:
    For the 1st time ever, my gun season spot in WI this year has standing corn. Great! The dear are tearing it up! But the corn field is the only way to access the property and my stand site. For opening morning, should I go in very early, like and hour before shooting time or wait and go in right at legal shooting. I can't decide!
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, I would go in early and get set up very quietly. That way the deer won't consider danger in your direction, but they are likely to move away from less careful hunters and move in your direction. You might also consider hunting the standing corn itself if you have no luck in the timber. Cut across rows, starting on the downwind edge of the field. Select a windy day so the corn rattles. Stick your head through a row, look upwind and then step to the next row. Once you cross the field, go upwind about 30 yards and repeat coming back the other direction. It takes a while, but if there is a deer bedded in the field you will likely see it before it sees you. It is pretty exciting hunting.
  • Can you have too many acorns? What is a strategy when the acorns are everywhere?
    Andrew from PA asks:
    Just want you to know I love this website. It is very informative and fun to watch. I am a soldier who is station in norther ny. I was wondering is it possible to have to many acorns. I have the oppurtunity to hunt PA since that is where I am from and where I hunt there are tons of acorns on the ground everywhere. Is there any strategy to locate deer when there is food everywhere.
    Winke Responds:
    Andrew, Thanks for your support. From a deer management standpoint, the more food you have the better. From a hunting standpoint, having almost unlimited, unconcentrated food sources makes the hunting very hard. When the deer can eat anywhere, it is very hard to figure out their patterns and set up on them effectively. All you can do is look for places where they probably bed and hunt near those areas. It is a start at least. Also, as the rut nears, funnels created by cover and terrain will help you intercept bucks that are cruising in search of does. They will still travel in search of does even with the widespread availability of food.
  • I am not seeing the bucks on the beans anymore; are they simply feeding on something else right now?
    Jeremy from IN asks:
    Hi my name is Jeremy I am from Indiana. Im hunting on a 40 acre farm with lots of white oaks, 4 acre pond, and a big bean field. In the beginning of the season I was seeing tons of does in the beans but for about the past 2 weeks I have seen very little action. I was wondering if I should be hunting on the acorns instead of the beans? I mean they are still there must just be feeding on a different food right? Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Jeremy, Probably, but this has been a pretty dead week we have just been through. I wouldn't draw too many conclusions from what you saw last week. I would say that most of the mature bucks are nocturnal now. They may still be feeding in the beans (after the pods dry down) but doing so after dark. Acorn feeding patterns are always a good bet, any time they are falling, so if you have a stand near a good bunch of oaks, that is definitely worth trying. Things will break loose soon and the bucks will come out of hiding. Just don't get too impatient and put undue pressure on your best spots just yet. Save them for about a week from now.
  • The deer have left my soybeans. Will they come back when the corn is picked in the surrounding area?
    Tom from IL asks:
    Bill, I have a stand location over a bean field in a creek bottom that has held good deer all year. These fields were corn last year and held good deer all fall. When the soy beans turned this fall there was a significant drop in deer activity. I am pretty sure the deer moved into some neighboring fields that had corn and some forest preserve nearby for the acorns. Both of these areas I don't have permission to hunt. My question is, In your experience once the corn is out of the nearby fields, what are my chances that the deer will return to the bean field for forage?
    Winke Responds:
    Tom, Deer should start moving back into the beans as soon as the pods start to dry down, usually about now. I would expect to see them resurface there soon. If the beans get picked, you may once again lose them, but probably not until after they have scavenged the field for waste grain for a few weeks. Standing beans are an awesome late fall and winter food source, so you may find yourself sitting on a honeyhole there if they don't get picked. I plant a lot of my food plot acres to soybeans each year because the deer will eat them at all times from about June through spring except that three weeks when the leaves are turned and the pods are drying down.
  • What are the deer eating in my area right now?
    Ed from MN asks:
    I have seen deer all spring and summer moving through to I assume their feeding area. The area I live in has no agriculture. Since mid August, I haven't seen any deer. I assume because the acorns had started falling. What kinds of foods do deer eat at this time of year? I'm having trouble figuring where they go in the evening.
    Winke Responds:
    Ed, I understand it a good acorn year in MN, so the simple answer is to find the oaks and you find the deer. That would be my first priority. They also browse on variety of plants and even fallen leaves, so it can be tough to pattern them without a concentrated food source. Start with the acorns and you should do well for now.
  • Could a nearby cornfield explain my lack of deer sightings?
    Chad from MI asks:
    Bill, i've got some great trail cam pictures of about 6 or 7 bucks and two of them are what i consider nice deer. The problem is that the bucks are completely nocturnal and i consider that abnormal because in past seasons early bow season is when i have seen the most deer because the area i hunt is very pressured. I have not been seeing deer, even does during daylight. I know they are there because of the pictures and there is lots of sign. The difference from this year and past years is the food source is corn instead of a hayfield and i'm convinced that the corn is the reason for my slow year, is that correct? Also, i've been hunting a field edge that i thought was between the bedding and feeding areas but now i'm not sure because of the lack of deer i've seen, should i move closer to the corn or try to get into the woods on a travel route? Any reports on michigan hunting?( slow, normal, good)? thanks, Chad
    Winke Responds:
    Chad, Standing corn does offer them a great place to hide (and feed) and that would easily explain the lack of sightings. The Michigan hunters seem to be seeing good deer. I don't think things are ahead of schedule this year. I think it just seems that way because the cooler conditions have caused some deer to move more than usual in some areas. I would hunt around that corn hard until the farmer harvests it. Good luck.
  • Do deer always approach food sources by going into the wind?
    Dean from NJ asks:
    Bill, In the area i hunt there are 3 fields, they are all pretty close together, two of them being about 275yards appart and the other about 800yards apart, all of them in a row. My problem is this, the deer tend to bed between the feilds and depending on the wind, they will go to any of the three fields. So if i set up on one for a north wind and its bad, then i hunt the same field with a south wind and its still bad. So, my questions is, will deer go to thier food source when they have to come in with an unfavorable wind for them? This makes this area tough to hunt but thier is a slammer buck there that i hunted last year and now again this year. I have stayed out of the fields and hunted the outskirts of the property so i dont spook him. Thanks! Dean
    Winke Responds:
    Dean, They will sometimes move with the wind at their back, especially if they feel really safe there. I have seen bucks do it often during the rut. It is not an easy setup that you describe. A cross wind may be your best bet to keep the scent away from bedded deer. I have a hard time offering specific advice without actually having seen the area. Try the cross wind or maybe a ground blind that allows you to keep your scent to a minimum.
  • How do I find good evening stands?
    Scott from MA asks:
    I am wondering what is the best area for an evening stand. I never see as many deer in the evenings as I do in the morning. The areas I hunt are fairly hilly and whether I'm on a ridge or in a bottom, my scent is sinking on those calm, quiet evenings. I'm assuming this is something everyone deals with, but any suggestions would be appreciated. I love that last half hour when the wind dies down to nothing and you can hear forever, but the only areas I tend to see deer is where there is quite a bit of human presence and they are used to human scent. It's the out of the way areas I have big bucks located, that I can't figure out where to hunt in the evening. Scott
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, Not all evenings have those still conditions and then being up on a ridge with some oak trees dropping acorns would be a good location. I generally hunt near food (not necessarily right on the food, but near it) in the evenings. During the rut, any good funnel stand can produce action in the evening, but during the early and late season, the food sources are the key. I agree with your observation on thermals, you have to set up your stands accordingly so no deer are likely go below you (downhill) on those still evenings. You may not find many such spots, but that is what you need to look for.
  • How long does it take for an oak to mature?
    Kris from KY asks:
    Bill thanks for the answer about hills. I was wondering about how long does it take an oak to grow to maturity. I know it has to do with the weather and where its located but in general about how long. Thanks
    Winke Responds:
    Kris, A long time. A forester once told me that it takes 20 years before most oaks ever produce acorns (some of the specially hybridized oaks designed for early acorn production cut that time way down), and about 50 to 60 years for an oak to reach the size that most sawmills look for to cut or slice. If you do nothing to an oak timber, you create a one generation forest since oak will not grow well in shade so you need to harvest a percentage of your mature oaks every decade or so in order to keep recruiting new oak. I have engaged in planting oak on our farm, using acorns instead of seedlings. So far, it has worked very well.
  • What is an acorn "Flat"?
    Roy from ME asks:
    What do people mean when they talk about an acorn flat? I hunt a wooded area that has a bunch of oak trees but they dont seem to be concentrated in a "flat" of anykind.
    Winke Responds:
    Roy, I think that is just a generic term for an area with a lot of oaks. It may be a ridge top, etc. I think anytime you find a lot of oaks on a good acorn year, you want to take note of it.