Fertilizing Fall Food Plots

I think that everyone has gotten plenty of rain so food plots should be doing well if they have not been flooded.  Because of the excess moisture you may want to consider giving food plots a boost with some extra fertilizer.

For the most part, our soils are fairly sandy.  Sands are not good at holding moisture or nutrients.  Therefore if you put out fertilizer prior to or at planting it has been used by the plants or it has been leached out of the rootzone. 

The crops being grown will determine what type of fertilizer you would want to use.  If fertility levels in your plots are in the medium to high range and you have any of the small grains planted you would be fine to apply 34-0-0 at the rate of 100 pounds per acre.

If you have a mixture of clover with small grains or something like chicory you could switch to something like 5-10-15 at the rate of 200-300 pounds.  Clovers and other legumes fix nitrogen.  Rhizobium bacteria inhabit legume roots in nodules.  These bacteria actually fix the nitrogen for the plant to use and in return the bacteria receive carbohydrates from the plants for energy.  As deer feed on these legumes some of the N is released and made available to the other plants in the mixture.

Plots that are strictly clovers or maybe even alfalfa can be fertilized with straight potassium in the form of 0-0-60.  I would recommend between 50 and 100 pounds per acre now and and again in the spring.  If you have trouble finding that analysis you can always use 5-10-15 at a much higher rate.  You will need 300 – 500 pounds of this mixture to supply the needed potassium.  the bonus is that you will be getting some extra phosphorous and a little nitrogen just in case you had trouble with the nitrogen fixing bacteria.

Here are some things to consider if your plots are looking puny.  Most of our food plot forages like a pH in the 6.5 range.  If you did not soil sample you may want to do this before you waste more money on fertilizer.  Most legumes are sold pre coated with the proper rhizobium bacteria.  If your seed was not coated, was old or was uncoated and not inoculated you may want to consider using a nitrogen containing fertilizer like 5-10-15.  Finally really sandy sites and nitrogen loving crops like leafy greens and chicory may require even higher recommendations than mentioned previously. 

If you have any specific questions please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  mackiv@uga.edu, 478-862-5496 or 478-825-6466.

Better Watch Your Step

I just wanted to remind everyone to watch where they step.  Ty Torrance, County Extension Agent in Marion and Schley Counties, stepped right over this fella twice while checking a peanut field for a local grower.

He said that the snake never made a sound.  

Georgia DNR's Deer Activity Map

Many of you have seen the rut maps in magazines, well here is another version brought to you by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.  Researchers at the University of Georgia and biologists with the Wildlife Resources Division found a strong correlation between peak deer-vehicle collision timeframes, deer conception dates and the hourly movement rates of deer tracked by GPS. 

Based on that information, deer-vehicle collision data provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation was used to map the timing of peak deer movement in Georgia.  The map is based on “Using Deer-vehicle Collisions to Map White-tailed Deer Breeding Activity in Georgia,” a peer-reviewed article published in the Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Co-authors are James H. Stickles, David B. Stone, Charles S. Evans, Karl V. Miller, Ph.D., Robert J. Warren, Ph.D., and David A. Osborn of UGA, and Charlie H. Killmaster of the Wildlife Resources Division.

To view the Peak Deer Movement Map click here.  

You can find a lot of really good information on the DNR website if you know where to look and what you are looking for.

Previous Post

In the previous post we had a misspelled name.  It should have been Bruce Swearingen.  Either way you spell it, the products provided by 4S Advanced Wildlife Solutions provide both the nutrition your deer need and the and attraction that hunters desire.

LOCAL COMPANY DOING BIG THINGS WITH BIG DEER

LOCAL BUSINESS MAN, BRUCE SWEARINGER, IS ATTRACTING IN BIG DEER WITH HIS DEER FEED PRODUCTS, 4S ADVANCED WILDLIFE SOLUTIONS. CHECK OUT THE SITE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.

https://4swildlife.com/

186" BUCK TAKEN OVER 4S DRAW

LEGAL PLANTING DATES

Hunting doves over fields planted in late summer or fall is legal provided that the field has been planted as part of a normal agricultural operation. Normal agricultural operation implies a planting that is conducted in accordance with the official recommendations of the university of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. Aerial or top sowing of small grains without covering the seed is not a recommended practice by the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. Dove hunting over a field planted by top sowing is illegal. Normal plantings do not involve placement of grains in piles or other concentrations. The application rate guideline recommended for all small grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats) planted for crop or forage production is 1.5 to 2.5 bushels per acre.

Small grains and canola planted within the range of dates listed below are official recommended pratcices of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. Hunters may not hunt doves over or around late summer/fall planted fields if the plantings are outside of the following dates: 

Taylor County is in Piedmont zone. 

Region	Small Grains*	Canola**
Mountains	9/1 - 11/15	N/A
Piedmont	9/15 - 12/1	9/15 - 12/1
Coastal	10/1 - 12/15	10/1 - 12/15

*   Small grains include wheat, rye, oats, and barley.
** Planting canola in the mountain region of Georgia is not considered a practical agricultural pratice.

LANDOWNER LIABILITY & HUNTING

Legal liability has been identified as a major concern among landowners when considering whether or not to grant access to hunters to hunt their property. Legal liability has also been offered as a reason some landowners have stopped allowing hunter access to their property. This is an important issue of concern with the increasing need of sound deer management and hunting access.
To encourage landowners to make their lands available to the public for recreational purposes, including hunting and fishing, Georgia law (OCGA 51-3-20 through 51-3-26) explicitly shields landowners from civil liability for injuries to persons who use their land for recreational purposes without charge unless the landowner willfully or maliciously fails to guard against or warn of a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity. Landowners will not be liable unless they violate this standard of care.  Georgia Courts have interpreted this standard of care as the duty of slight care, which is lower than that of ordinary care.
Georgia law (OCGA 27-3-1) further extends this same protection to landowners, lessees of land, or lessees of hunting or fishing rights who give permission to another to hunt or fish on their property with or without charge.

HUNTERS HELPING FARMERS

Hunters Helping Farmers is a new private lands initiative opportunity that seeks to match up hog hunters in the same county with farmers that need assistance with hog removal. This initiative is a partnership effort between the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in order to help landowners manage the damaging impact of feral hogs. - Georgia Hunter Registration

 

ARCHERY DEER SEASON

Archers will get the first opportunity at bringing home a deer beginning Saturday, Sept. 12, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Last year, 128,545 archery hunters harvested more than 64,695 deer. Statewide archery season runs through Oct. 9, although hunters may hunt deer with archery equipment through the entire 2015-2016 deer season. 
“Early archery season is an excellent time to pattern deer before home ranges shift towards fall food sources,” said Charlie Killmaster, Georgia’s state deer biologist.  “Mature bucks often haven’t adjusted to hunting pressure yet and may be more active during daylight.”
Many public lands offer specialty hunts, including primitive weapons hunts, adult/child hunts and ladies-only hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts are listed in the 2015-2016 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide. Georgia offers 111 state-operated wildlife management areas (WMAs) for the public’s use.
State-managed public hunting lands are funded through a combination of state license fees and matching federal funds from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program. Hunters account for $977 million in retail sales in Georgia each year with a $1.6 billion ripple effect and almost 24,000 jobs.
Hunters are allowed a season bag limit of 10 antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers). Special regulations apply to archery-only counties and extended archery season areas. Counties in the Metro Atlanta area (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties) offer either-sex archery deer hunting Jan. 2-31. Additionally, deer of either sex may be taken with archery equipment at any time during the deer season on private land.
To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, big game license and a current deer harvest record (which is free). If hunting on a WMA, a WMA license is required. Licenses can be purchased online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/licenses-permits-passes , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a license agent (list of agents available online).
For more information on deer hunting seasons, regulations, licenses and WMA maps, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting . 

Flint River Gator

This gator was caught by Josh Pfeiffer on the Flint River near Lake Blackshear.   10'8" Long

LIST OF DEER OFFICIALLY REGISTERED IN GA FOR TAYLOR COUNTY

Deer Registry Results
Hunter/Owner	Record Type	Score	County	Kill Method	Year
Mike Layfield	Typical	178 5/8	Taylor	Firearms	1997
Patrick Mcllcamy	Non-Typical	172 3/8	Taylor	Firearms	2001
Charles Childee	Typical	171 6/8	Taylor	Found	1985
Joseph Ryals	Typical	170 1/8	Taylor	Firearms	1998
Tod Louvorn	Typical	160 6/8	Taylor	Firearms	1986
Jeff Watson	Typical	158 1/8	Taylor	Firearms	1990
Kyle Dockery	Typical	155 6/8	Taylor	Firearms
Lije Robinson	Typical	152 7/8	Taylor	Firearms	2009
Korana Wainwright	Typical	150 2/8	Taylor	Firearms	1973
Raymond Long	Typical	149 5/8	Taylor	Firearms	1993
Jack Woodall	Typical	148 6/8	Taylor	Firearms	1990
Randy Hughes	Typical	148 5/8	Taylor	Firearms	1990
Jorge Valdes	Typical	145 6/8	Taylor	Firearms	2014
Curtis Mosley	Typical	145 5/8	Taylor	Firearms	1997
Brian Burnett	Typical	144 2/8	Taylor	Archery	2011
Lisa Smith	Typical	142 1/8	Taylor	Archery	2006
TROY HARRISON	Typical	135 5/8	Taylor	Archery	2007
Adam Childers	Typical	133 7/8	Taylor	Archery	2012
Bruce Swearingen	Non-Typical	133 2/8	Taylor	Archery	2009
Brian Burnett	Typical	132	Taylor	Archery	2010
Tillman Mason	Typical	128 1/8	Taylor	Archery	2013

THIS LIST IS MAY NOT BE ALL INCLUSIVE. MANY DEER GO UNREPORTED OR NOT SUBMITTED TO STATE FOR OFFICIAL SCORING. WE ENCOURAGE EVRYONE TO SUBMIT ANY POSSIBLE CANDIDATES.
View and print rules, eligibilty and entry form here.

MANDATORY BOATER EDUCATION

As of July 1, 2014, all persons born on or after January 1, 1998 that operate any motorized vessel on the waters of the state must have completed a boat education course approved by the department prior to such operation.  A person is exempt if he or she is:

• a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel;
• a person operating on a private lake or pond;
• a non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA approved boater education course or equivalency examination from another state.

On-line Courses:

• Boat-Ed 1-800-830-2268   ($29.50 No Pass, No Pay)
• Boater Exam 1-877-722-8838   ($29.95 No Pass, No Pay)
• Boat US Foundation 1-800-336-2628   (Free Course)

HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY

Georgia Hunters for the Hungry^SM

Since 1993, hunters have been bringing meat to the tables of those in need through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program. This successful program continues to provide opportunities during hunting season for hunters to share their harvest with those in need. Georgia Wildlife Federation has been a sponsor of GHFTH since it began by assisting in promoting the program and raising funds to pay processors for venison delivered to food banks.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Hunters interested in participating in the GHFTH program can bring field-dressed deer to any of the designated drop-off locations. The 2015-2016 drop-off locations are listed below.
MAKE A DONATION

If you would like to make a donation to support the cost of processing for next year (a deer costs roughly $50 to process), you may mail a check to the Georgia Wildlife Federation and mark it Hunters For The Hungry or use our online giving options.

Read the 2014 Report

  

		Drop-off Locations
		Barlow’s Meat Processing, 1692 Milan-Eastman Rd, Eastman, GA 31023, 478-374-5614 Daffin’s Meat Processing, 914 Neil Drive, Columbus, GA 31904, 706-322-8848 Garner's Grinder, 18639 Hwy 16, Sparta, GA  31087, 706-444-9228 Holifield's Deer Processing, 2536 Highway 81 South, Covington, GA  30016,  770-788-1114 Lee’s Processing, 461 Dove Ln, Axson, GA 31624, 912-422-3079 Mossey Creek Outdoors, 2788 Americus Hwy, Dawson, GA 39842, 229-995-4109 Starley’s Deer Processing, 190 George Hatcher Rd, Irwinton, GA 31042, 478-946-8976 Steve Bishop Taxidermy & Deer Processing, 1814 Hwy 11 South, Covington, GA  30014, 770-787-0840 Stewart's Quality Meats,  204 Washington St., Vidalia, GA, 912-537-9888 Zoeller's Deer Processing, 1123 Indigo Road, Springfield, GA  31329, 912-665-0427

SUPPRESSORS

Lawfully possessed suppressors may be used for hunting on private property. Permission of the landowner is required.

WMA IN TAYLOR COUNTY

FALL LINE SANDHILLS WMA
1,576 acres
ARCHERY ONLY
A WMA LICENSE IS NEEDED IN ADDITION TO HUNTING AND/OR BIG GAME LICENSE

DEER ARCHERY Either Sex: Sept. 12-Jan. 10

TURKEY Mar. 26-May 15

SMALL GAME • Aug. 15-Feb. 29.
Fox squirrel hunting prohibited.

SPECIAL REGS  No camping. Placing bait or wildlife food and hunting any game species or feral hog over bait is PROHIBITED.

DIRECTIONS From Butler To East Tract: From the intersection of HWY 96 and HWY 19, go west 2.6 miles to Taylor County Industrial Park; turn right; kiosk is immediately on the left side of the road. To West Tract: From the intersection of HWY 96 and HWY 19, go west 10.7 miles; turn left on Kel Foster Rd. At fork, bear right. Entrance is ¼ mile on the left

FERAL HOG CONTROL ACT AND BAITING OF FERAL HOGS

Transportation of live feral hogs without a permit may result in significant fines and revocation of your hunting license. Feral hogs captured alive must be dispatched prior to transportation if a permit
has not been acquired prior to capture. Contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture (404) 656-3665 for permit restrictions and requirements related to live feral swine.

Exceptions for Feral Hogs (Statewide) Feral hogs may be hunted over or near bait on private lands year round in every county provided that the bait is not placed within 50 yards of any property ownership boundary.  However, placing bait for hogs may make a property (or portion of a property) un-huntable for other species, such as turkeys.  Generally, you may not hunt turkeys within 200 yards or within line of sight of bait.  Hunters are urged to communicate with others who may hunt other species on or near an area where baiting for deer or hogs is being considered.

SMALL GAME SEASON DATES

SMALL GAME & MIGRATORY BIRDS (except waterfowl)

Squirrel Statewide August 15 - February 29 12 per day

Alligator Zone & Quota Limited August 14 - October 5 1 per quota permit holder

Fox & Bobcat Statewide December 1 - February 29 No Limit

Opossum Statewide October 15 - February 29 No Limit

Raccoon Statewide October 15 – February 29 3 per day

Rabbit Statewide November 14 - February 29 12 per day

Quail Statewide November 14 - February 29 12 per day

Grouse Statewide October 15 - February 29 3 per day

Crows Statewide November 1 - February 29 No Limit

Dove Statewide   September 5 - 20 October 10 – November 1 November 26 - January 15 15 per day, 45 in possession

Woodcock Statewide December 5- January 18 3 per day

Snipe Statewide November 15 – February 28 8 per day

Marsh Hens Statewide September 25 – November 15 November 21 – December 8 15 per day

Falconry Statewide October 1 – March 15 12 quail/rabbit/squirrel & 3 grouse per day

Either Sex Dates

Deer Season Dates

Deer Archery:    Either sex    September 12 - October 9,   Statewide 

Extended Archery: Only In Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale Counties     Either Sex   January 2 - 31

Primitive Weapons    Either sex  October 10 - 16, Statewide  

Firearms:     October 17- January 10,    Statewide

Limits:       Twelve (12) per season, Statewide No more than ten (10) may be antlerless and no more than two (2) may be antlered. One of the antlered deer must have at least 4 points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers. 
Firearms deer hunting is not allowed in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton (north of GA Hwy. 92), and that portion of Glynn county lying within Jekyll Island.  In the portion of Forsyth county south of GA Hwy. 20, only shotguns and muzzleloaders may be used (no other firearms allowed).  In Hancock, Harris, Meriwether, Montgomery, Randolph, Talbot and Troup counties, only antlered bucks with at least 4 points on either side are legal.  In Dooly and Macon counties, antlered bucks must have a minimum 15inch outside spread

Archery Season is Close!

Only 22 days left until we can let some arrows fly in Taylor County.  For the past several years I have wanted to create a way for folks that hunt in Taylor County to let other local hunters know what they are seeing in the woods.

I also thought that it would be nice if we could get quick updates on pertinent information from our local Conservation Ranger/Game Warden/Josh.

Finally, I want this to be a site that allows local hunters to show off their trophies.  If you have something to post to the Taylor County WildlifeWatch send a picture and short caption to mackiv@uga.edu

We will see how it goes starting with the 2015 - 2016 deer season and if it catches on we will do our best to keep it going.  Keep us posted and hope you all have a prosperous year.