So 4 years ago my brother-in-law and I purchased 9 acres (Nine Acre Archery if you are familiar with our Web site or friends with us on Twitter/Facebook). We implemented a basic QDM plan. We studied the topo maps and saw that there was mostly woods around us and only a few smaller fields. Most of the open terrain around our property is pasture rather than crop so we knew that minerals would play a big role in improving the herd. We also put in an automatic feeder for high protein deer feed during the spring/summer and corn for the rest of the year. Below is a picture of the first buck I took on the property (a small 6 pointer) so we could properly age him. He was a 2.5 year old. As you can see the antlers are more upright and the spread is no where near as wide as the ears. Here are a few new pictures of a few current 2.5 year olds that we've followed from birth (both have had our minerals and feed available their entire lives). We are seeing a major improvement and the spread is nearly as wide as their ears now. This year I put in a small watering hole as we recently found out that the creek we thought existed, according to the topo map, was actually dry. It sure makes hunting more fulfilling when you know you are helping the herd and all around habitat for wildlife.
I know it's hard to do much with such a small amount of property but we are seeing such high numbers of deer throughout the spring, summer, and early fall, I can only assume we are providing something for them that they aren't getting elsewhere. I don't need em to live there, just show up when I'm hunting We also occasionally put small throw and grow plots out and so far I am happy with where we are.
