Attracting game

[Readyrod]

I was wondering what kind of things attract game onto a piece of land. If I want to buy some land for hunting what should I look for in terms of physical features? Vegetation? I'm trying to get together a checklist. I'm also looking for all kinds of hunting. I'm not really trying to narrow it down. I know, for example, you would need water for waterfowl but how about details like vegetation near it etc. Thanks

 

[FLAvalanche]

They need the same things we do. Food, water and shelter.

Consider what type of game you want to attract and what type of game is already in that area. Learn what they like to eat and what type of areas they use for shelter or bed down in and look for that or a property that can support it if you plant or build it.

You don't have to have all three but at least 2 is great. You can even get away with one as long as you have an abundance of it or at least a decent amount in better quality than anywhere else depending on the animal.

 

[Art Eatman]

Local area wildlife agency people quite often have pamphlets and other info about improving habitat for wildlife. Local knowledge is better than what we could say, here, since we're limited to a broad overview.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

I personally have found that about the best possible resource for information about hunting property is the local Game Wardens in whatever areas you are looking to purchase land. Then, after you have nailed down a good location, go to the nearest feed store/CoOp and pump the people there for information.

For an area of 250 acres you could put out 2 or 3 food plots of 2 acre or so size each. Again, pump the people at the feed store for information on what the local game feed on.

 

[Art Eatman]

As for the land itself, I prefer rolling country, with some elevation change in it. No pool tables, please. Vegetation in general? A mix of woods, some brushy areas, and some open areas. Ideally, mixed hardwoods in the wooded areas. More habitat for squirrels and other small critters. Deer tend to bed down in wooded areas, travel in brush and feed around edges.

 

[Zombiphobia]

I know most animals are attracted to water and tree nuts and berries.

Water is vital to survival, and the tree nuts provide lots of protein, the berries are loaded with sugars and taste good.

 

[cottswald]

Local area wildlife agency people quite often have pamphlets and other info about improving habitat for wildlife. Local knowledge is better than what we could say, here, since we're limited to a broad overview.

Great advice. Same agency that provides information regarding hunting regulations should be able to provide info on local game. Should be able to get most of the information on-line.

As far as woods are concerned, fruit bearing trees such as hickory, beech, and walnut provide tasty treats for all kinds of animals from squirrels to deer.

 

[Readyrod]

I understand about asking the local game people and yes I agree that it is good advice and much appreciated. I will definitely do it. Right now I'm thinking in terms of being able to visualize the land that I want to eventually get when I go back to Canada. Ground nuts, rolling country, berries, that's the kind of advice I'm looking for. If I have an idea of size, terrain, water, vegetation etc. I'll know a little better what to look for. And I really appreciate the advice, thanks.

 

[Daveboone]

The size of the land will be a limiting factor on what you can do. Prioritizing what you want may be in order. Surrounding land features can be included in your plans. I only have 10 acres, but it is surrounded by thousands of acres of accessible land. I concentrated on improving the health of an old apple orchard on my land, which attracts turkeys, grouse and deer. Knowing they come to my land for this feature is productive enough for me.

 

[Art Eatman]

By learning the soil chemistry, a judicious application of the appropriate fertilizer around the root area of a nut- or fruit-bearing tree can increase productivity.

I ran my gray-water line from the sink, bathroom and washer to an oak tree near the house. Lots and lots of acorns. My wife lauded the virtues of phosphate-free detergent, until I pointed out that we were fertilizing a tree and a honeysuckle vine, not sending phosphate-laden water to a river or lake.

 

[hardluk1]

Look to buy or long lease some swamp/ hard wood bottoms that are not good to farm next to or very near to farm land would be the best option. Then talk to the widlife biologist help on the land. He or she could also help you as to where good deer populations are and how to keep them in that tract during the time when no crops are around and winter time. The right tract of land does not need to be very large if in the right place. Maybe buy several small tracts to work with too.

 

[Readyrod]

Look to buy or long lease some swamp/ hard wood bottoms

Why swamp or hardwood?

 

[Readyrod]

but it is surrounded by thousands of acres of accessible land.

Great idea

I'm thinking of buying on Vancouver Island. (the Pacific Northwet) If that helps.

I prefer rolling country,

Is that for cover?
What kind of water would I want? How about for waterfowl?

Sorry if the questions are kinda newbie but I'm new at this. I've never owned land.