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Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

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COWPEAS<br />

Planting Date: May 1 - July 15<br />

Seeding Rate a : 40-90 b pounds per acre (broadcasted), 15-30 b<br />

pounds per acre (drilled)<br />

Planting Depth: 1-inch<br />

Comments: Cowpeas are highly nutritious (high-protein), highly productive,<br />

and highly preferred by deer. They cannot handle heavy browsing,<br />

so larger fields should be planted to maximize production. Cowpeas grow<br />

on a variety of sites, but do best when planted on well-drained fertile sites.<br />

They can be planted with companion plants, such as grain sorghum,<br />

Aeschynomene, or alyce clover. Numerous varieties of cowpeas are available,<br />

including both bush and climbing/trailing varieties. Varieties<br />

commonly planted for deer include combine, iron clay, Catjang, Tory, and<br />

Wilcox.<br />

GRAIN SORGHUM<br />

Planting Date: April 15 - June 30<br />

Seeding Rate a : 15-20 pounds per acre (broadcasted), 8-12 pounds<br />

per acre (drilled)<br />

Planting Depth: 1/2 to 1-inch<br />

Comments: Grain sorghum is a warm-season grain that will grow in<br />

a wide variety of soils. Although deer will often consume the plant<br />

during early growth and the seed heads once they mature, sorghum is<br />

most valuable as a support crop for more nutritious deer forages, such<br />

as Aeschynomene, alyce clover, and cowpeas. <strong>In</strong> addition, grain sorghum<br />

produces an abundance of seeds that are readily consumed by<br />

doves, quail, and turkey.<br />

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