The U.S. Drought Monitor analysis for 2022 classified 57% of the continental United States severe drought areas, stretching from much of the West and into the Plains, the upper Midwest and lower Mississippi Valley. Jeff discusses the drought conditions, the impact it has on deer and how he is working to combat it on his own properties. In particular, he talks about the investment of digging ponds and how those water sources play a large role in attracting and holding deer on a property. Ultimately, it could also be a major catalyst in being able to shoot the deer you are after this season. The truth is, Jeff says, deer won't live on your property without water. For that reason, spending some time and money on creating water sources can be crucial.
Beyond water, having quality food available on your land is always king for attracting deer. Drought conditions can make it difficult for natural browse, as well as food plots, to grow to their full potential. Jeff says he watches the availability of feed and also utilizes supplemental feeding programs on his land when necessary. Comparing food availability during wet years versus drought years, he notes that deer tend to be very resourceful in dry times and make the most of their feeding time by hitting only high quality food. For that reason, even with stress from drought, many bucks are able to maintain good body condition and put on a lot of inches of antler.
Be sure to listen in as Jeff also tackles: trail cameras, the importance of cataloging the bucks on your property, some of the potential shooters for his upcoming 2022 hunting season and why the rut isn't his favorite phase to hunt. Plus, he'll discuss the benefits of planting soybeans later in the summer, property management, the #BigBuckWork he puts in to make his land a destination for deer, why you should stay out of your hunting ground as much as possible and his philosophy for purchasing hunting properties and how to make them pay for themselves.
Be sure to watch "BuckVentures" every Wednesday at 9:00 pm ET on Sportsman Channel. The brand-new, 19th season of "BuckVentures" will kick off at the end of June, so mark your calendars. You can also catch three seasons of "The Woodsman" anytime on MyOutdoorTV. Check it out!
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