I've got beautiful stand of oats on two different farms, but the deer really aren't eating them that much. I have tons of pictures of them just walking right through it. Is there a reason they aren't eating them yet? In some places there 7"-8" tall.
More interesting food source somewhere else? Acorns? Low diversity probably isn't helping either. They'll be more interested as winter moves in.
Acorns are definitely their main food source right now, I assume that's my issue. I hunted in OH this weekend and acorn crops were heavy there too, but the deer are crushing our plots there.
U sure they are oats? Maybe somebody sold you a bag of fescue.....lol Seriously though...idk....the deer in my area are Hammering my oats right now.
When there are better and higher protein and energy options near by, those are typically hit harder this time of year. What variety of oats? Oats isn't oats. Plus, fertility and plant health also effects how deer hit any forage that one plants. This is why proper pH, a good fertilizer program and the right selection of products for one's current soil conditions is a key.
Same thing (species) in the plots? You have to remember those are in a more northern climate so it is "later in the year" for that area.
When was the lime put down? It takes up to 6 months for many limes to work. Does the oats look like there is any plant health issues?
I limed when I planted, first of September if I can remember correctly; but soil test called for very little lime. The oats look excellent very healthy, seems some traffic may be picking up as I watched 6 does eat for 20 minutes the other day.
Just be patient. I planted Buck Forage Oats last year and as soon as the acorns thinned out they were all over the oats.
