Was wondering what everyone's opinion was on planting honeysuckle on the fence rows on my property? Figured it was something easy to plant that would benefit deer in the summer.
It grows all over the south but I've never seen them easy it...I wouldn't waste the time as a deer food source. -Bill
I agree that I've never seen too many deer eating it but it makes good cover for them so they might utilize it for a travel route.
Deer tear it up where I am from in Middle TN. How is the hunting in Charlotte? I am stationed at Lejeune in Jacksonville NC, which is way different then hunting in Middle TN. But, that doesn't stop me from trying to get after them.
Ohio deer are all over it in late fall and winter. It sure can choke things up but the benefits outweigh that in my opinion.
Are they browsing it or just using it for cover? I grew up just up river from where you hunt and they don't seem to eat it there but that could be just because there is more desireable stuff around.
It's really invasive so keep that in mind. Here in Ohio they use it for cover and occasionally to eat later in the season.
If you're talking the invasive bush honeysuckle I'd probably look in another direction. Why not American plums? They'd serve a similar purpose yet you'd be able to keep their spreading more under control.
I hunt central nc...though there are some decent urban deer around the city. The greenways let them roam from city parks to back yard gardens and they have 0 pressure in the city since hunting in the limits is not legal. -Bill
They use it quite a bit here in Southern MO for bedding, as well as browse in the winter. Like already mentioned though, I would highly recommend NOT planting any bush honeysuckle. I used to battle that stuff when I worked for the Conservation Dept. It spreads like crazy and will choke any underbrush or smaller trees out. Good luck on whatever you choose.
I have seen some people planting raspberries and other types of berries for browsing and cover. What are ya'lls opinion on those
In SC honeysuckle is one of the best plants for deer. They nibble on it all year long. We always encourage its growth. It would be a great idea for a fence. In fact can not think of any plant that would be better. Grows best in full sun.
I have seen areas where the deer absolutely tear it up while in another area the deer wont touch it. The bigger issue is that its invasive and will grow like wild fire once it is planted. Use caution with this as a food source because it may over take any where you want to also use as additional food plotting.
