The typical sea of corn that is in our area is actually mixed pretty evenly with beans this year. I was wondering, what is the approach deer typically take towards beans? They have been in them early this season, however, this has changed. When do they typically return to them in regards to plant maturation?
What I've seen over the years is that once the beans start turning color the deer generally get off them and seek out other food sources. Of course this generally coincides with the acorn drop. Once the plants have totally dried out and are brown, it seems like the deer will start feeding in the more often. Although it doesn't seem to be their #1 preferred source for food until later in the season (if they're still standing). In Wisconsin it's not uncommon for beans to be a great early season food source for hunting over, but come October the acorns really start to heat up. I know quite a few people who plant beans as food plots, but plant them 1-2 months late so they're still good and green come October. Something about that lush green soybean plant that the deer absolutely love.
My Neighbors on both sides just planted their crops about a month ago. Everyone else planted them about 2 months ago. So I was wondering the same thing. the plants are 10" or so high right now. I have not been around many soy beans at all so I am not sure how it will effect them. Not trying to steel you thread but, I was going to post a question about the same thing. Is this normal for crop growers to wait that late to plant them?
The farmer I hunt on plants beans every year. His farm rotates between beans, alfalfa, and winter wheat. I see the most bucks in the first 2 weeks of the season, while his beans are still green. After that, my sightings drop off significantly. Last year was a bit different however, because the crop was out before the season was even started. So my early season sightings just plain sucked. I believe once they start to brown and or be harvested, they turn to the corn fields in the area. Now this year is going to be a bit different. Half of his beans are up and about waist high. He just planted the other half like 2 weeks ago. I'm looking forward to that late crop, it should hold deer in for me while the corn in the area is being picked! Should be dynamite!!!
Good timing on this thread for me, I just got back from scouting my E. Washington spot. I just hung three cameras over there. The farmers that are allowing us to hunt their places have beans planted. They put them in late too, so I hope they stay good and green well into Sept. They were about 10 inches high when I was there the other day.
x2 One of are food plots is all beans but what we did this year is plant half of it in a forage bean that keep going thoughout the season.
We try to plant beans every year. This year we have 2 bean plots. You guys are right, they are a good early season draw, but I really like to hunt around them late in the season. Of course, that is if they are left standing. Here in Iowa, a standing bean plot in January when there is snow on the ground is pretty tough to beat. Dan www.stepaheadoutdoor.com
