Hardwoods Food Plot
“This property is proof that small acrage can yield wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities when done properly.”
Project Status: On-going management
Location: Annandale, MN
Project Description: Hardwoods mix of oaks, maples, basswood, ironwood, and cedar thickets. Main invasive species extensive buckthorn infestation from bordering state woods.
Total acres managed: 1 acres
Goal:
Restore balance to the wooded areas
Create more wildlife viewing/hunting opportunities
Phases:
Remove invasive buckthorn from the hardwoods and piles burned
Two seasons of follow-up follar sprays were conducted to control buckthorn seedlings
Remove select boxelder to open up the canopy and allow more sunlight and native regeneration
Plant food plot in woodland area for increased hunting success
Timeline:
Project started 2020 with invasive species removal
Project moved into ongoing maintenance 2021
Results:
Significant increase in deer activity, among other wildlife species such as owls, red fox, turkey, and pheasants.
Whitetail fawns are now born and raised on the property
Several broods of turkey poults raised through the summer on the property as well
Management in the wooded area has opened up turkey roost trees and places for birds of prey to perch and watch for food
