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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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RAPE<br />

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

Seeding Rate a : 10-12 pounds per acre (broadcasted), 8-10 pounds<br />

per acre (drilled)<br />

Planting Depth: 1/4 to 1/2-inch<br />

Comments: Rape can be planted as a warm-season crop or early coolseason<br />

crop. It is a high-protein perennial that closely resembles turnips.<br />

Rape can produce a large amount of forage due to its broadleaf growth<br />

form. Rape does well on damp sites. The variety most commonly planted<br />

for deer is Dwarf Essex. Many other varieties are found in several deer<br />

plot seed mixtures.<br />

SOYBEANS<br />

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

Seeding Rate a : 50-70 pounds per acre (broadcasted), 30-50 pounds<br />

per acre (drilled)<br />

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

Comments: Soybeans are one of the most highly preferred and nutritious<br />

of all the crops that can be planted for deer. Unfortunately,<br />

soybeans cannot handle heavy browsing pressure and will not last long<br />

when planted in small fields or in areas with high deer densities. Other<br />

browse tolerant legumes are probably better suited for warm-season<br />

deer plots. If sufficient acreage can be planted, soybeans can produce<br />

high quality forage throughout most of the summer. They grow best in<br />

well-drained soils and are only slightly drought tolerant. Can be planted<br />

with companion plants such as cowpeas, grain sorghum, or corn. Hundreds<br />

of varieties of soybeans are available for planting, but a slow<br />

maturing or forage variety is recommended for deer food plots.<br />

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