deer crack Mineral for deer

Bait Ban Signals Need to Upgrade.
Make a long term commitment to wildlife.

Over the past decades, baiting deer in Michigan has grown to be both a popular and controversial method of hunting. For many Michigan hunters the rules of fair play have changed. In late January, Governor Engler issued Directive No. 1998-1, to the Departments of Community Health, Agriculture, and Natural Resources in an effort to
jointly develop sound management plans for eradicating bovine tuberculosis in Michigans deer. This is an excellent opportunity for hunters to educate themselves and upgrade our wildlife management practices.
Bovine tuberculosis is spread by nose to nose contact of deer when overpopulation causes deer to crowd into feeding areas. Currently a significant rate of bovine tuberculosis infects the deer population of the northeastern Lower Peninsula. In an effort to eliminate the tuberculosis a feeding ban will be enacted this year in the area north of M-55 and east of I-75. The use of bait will be restricted to feed types that reduce the risk of nose to nose
contact among feeding deer. Hunters in the restricted area will no longer be able to bait with sugar beets, carrots, cob corn, or apples. Permitted baiting practices will include using bait composed of grain seeds and/or pelletized food, not to exceed a 5 gallon volume at any one time, or by maintaining wildlife plantings.
Hunters may soon learn that maintaining food plots is a superior alternative to baiting. Applying some creative thinking along with a long term commitment to wildlife allows hunters the unique opportunity of practicing sound management techniques while improving hunting success. Food plots help to restore the deficiencies of deer throughout their most stressful periods. Planting food plots for deer and other wildlife is quickly becoming a popular practice among hunters a day since its both beneficial and effective. One very effective planting method is to plant up to four small plots (1/4 to 1/2 acre) per square mile. By combining a little knowledge of the normal deer movement patterns, a few strategically placed food plots can intensify preferred travel routes. This allows hunters to choose multiple stand sights that can be approached and hunted with different prevailing wind directions.
This style of hunting is an excellent opportunity for hunters to get involved in responsible game management. Remember that diversity and variety is the key. Deer must browse many different food types to meet their nutritional needs.