Iowa Hunting Land Growing Trophy Whitetail

Hunting Land in Iowa and other rural properties are my business. Written by Jason Smith

Purchasing recreational land can be a tricky decision and I'm going to write a series of blogs to help buyers understand how to evaluate a property for its potential to grow trophy whitetail deer and how to manage land for quality whitetail deer. I am a Realtor and I sell recreational hunting land. There is a great deal to know about evaluating land for its whitetail potential.

When it comes to growing monster bucks its no secret that Iowa ranks at the top of most sportsman's list. Iowa, Kansas, Illinois and Missouri are magical words to the whitetail hunter. For those unfortunate whitetail hunters that do not live in any of these states, and even those that do I'm going to share with you the secrets of Midwest and why we have huge bucks.

First of all you have to know we can not take credit for the big bucks, and most probably don't even why we grow 'em so big. The real secret is really simple and you'll smack yourself the forehead when I give you the answer. Here it goes. Dirt! Thats our secret, thats the secret of the entire Midwest. Rich Midwestern soils hold the secret to big bucks. Now that the cat is out of the bag I'll explain way, just in case you don't get it yet.

I can remember when I was studying Fish and Wildlife Biology in college and the instructor put it this way "deer are what they eat" It makes sense when you think about it, everything comes from the earth. Now most likely you are thinking that since the Midwest has millions of acres of corn and soybeans that I must be talking about food supply right? No not necessarily. Iowa is like one huge food plot but what I am really talking about is the actual soil. It is the building block for everything. It is the foundation that grows big whitetail antlers. While there are many factors that work in tandem, soil is the basic fundamental building block.

All things that affect the whitetail deer growth begin with the soil. Even in the Midwest our soil is not perfect for growing healthy whitetail deer, but much closer to it than most states. How do you know if you soil is good? Having your soil tested is going to be the only way to know exactly what is in your soil. They can be done by many different places including your local Farmers Coop, State University, soil testing laboratories, fertilizer sales companies, or agricultural extension are among many places. Soil tests are inexpensive running anywhere from free to $15 for each test.

These tests are going to tell you the PH of your soil along with the minerals present and their levels, along with lime and fertilizer recommendations. Lime is crushed limestone and will be used to neutralize your soil. Neutral soil is best for plant growth as it allows plants to absorb all nutrients, all of those nutrients that are necessary to healthy whitetail deer. It should come as no surprise that the Midwest has large limestone deposits and limestone occurring in our soil which helps keep soil neutral.

Those minerals which are missing from the soil can be made up with fertilizers and other supplments. By bringing your soil up to optimal condition to provide the proper nutrients for deer growth and antler development you will give your deer the optimal diet.

Now having said all of that I know you are not going to go out and lime and fertilize your entire hunting land. Instead you are going to use this knowledge to help you plant food plots. You might think that if you plant a food plot and the plot grows you will not have to follow the instructions below. I only mention this because so many people follow that line of thinking. Even if you can grow a food plot, it does not mean the plants are providing the necessary nutrients or even growing and optimal levels. By starting with healthy soil, you'll grow healthy forage vegetation which in turn will grow healthy whitetail. See how this works now?

Did you know that as whitetail antlers are developing they are comprised of 80 proteins? Does it make sense that bucks need alot of protein during this time? Antler growth occurrs between April - September so being able to provide high amounts of protein during those times areessential. This can be achieved with high protien food plot mixes that provide 30% or greater protein. Corn and soybeans will not provide this level of protein during this critical period. When soybeans begin to grow they contain higher protien levels than they do later in the year. It is no surprise that it is easy to spot whitetail in bean fields unti about July 4-10th when the protien levels begin to drop. At its peak soybeans can only provide 20-25% protien content. Corn is even less at 6-8%. Even in Iowa it is necessary to provide higher protien content foods for optimal growth. So what can you plant that provides the high protien levels deer need during this time period? My suggestion is Brassica which provides 30-35% protien or Alsike Clover which provides 25% protien. Ideally a mix of different types of forage is best so what one is not providing the other is.

Later as an antler hardens or mineralized the composition of the antler will be about 50% protein and 50% mix of minerals. The two most common minerals in deer antlers are calcium and phosphorus accounting for 30-35% of a developed antler. Other minerals found in mature antlers include magnesium, sodium, potassium, barium, iron, aluminum, zinc, strontium and manganese. Your soil tests will tell you if these minerals are present in your soil. If you are missing them or have low levels you can use mineral supplementation through mineral sites. One site per 40 acres will help all deer have access to the minerals. Use caution when placing mineral sites. In many states is is illegal to hunt within certain distances. On my property I use mineral sites far from tree stand locations and mix my own supplement.

The recipe I use includes trace mineral salt, stock sale and di-calcium phosphate. These minerals can be purchased at your local feed store, Tractor Supply or other agricultural supply store. Buy two bags of trace mineral salt, one bagof di-calcium phosphate and one bag of stock salt. Do not mix the ingredients until you are ready to use them. When you are prepared you should mix them 1 part di-calcium phosphate 3 parts trace mineral salt, 2 parts stock salt. I would recommend using a coffee can as your measuring device. Fill it 3 times with the trace mineral salt, twice with stock salt and one time with the di-cal. If you are using a 3 pound coffee can it will make you enough mix for one mineral lick. Avoid the temptation to add extra di-calcium to the mix. It is bitter and deer do not like the taste of it.

To make your mineral lick dig a small depression in the soil, dump the mixture in and then take the dirt you dug out of the hole and mix it in with the minerals. Yes the deer will eat the dirt and it contains beneficial nutrients they need, and it is a part of the mix. I end by dumping 3-4 gallons of water on the mineral lick and then leaving the area. While you are there you might consider placing a trail camera as it will be an excellent location to photograph deer and monitor their development.

Providing a solid foundation on your hunting land will help you grow quality whitetails and keep the herd healthy. While I have concentrated on bucks it will also keep does healthy and provide the nutrients they need to have healthy off spring.

Watch for our nationwide marketing on TV airing 15 times per week to over 80,000,000 homes. Our recreational properties TV program airs on the M.A.N. Channel, The Sportsmans Channel, Fox Sports South, and The Pursuit Channel.

CONTACT JASON Cell Phone: 402.250.1006 Email: Jason@gowithjason.com

Jason's Websites: Loess Hills Land For Sale

Whitetail Trophy Properties

Smith Auction Marketing - Iowa Auctioneer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jason Smith is a Land Specialist and Real Estate Auctioneer with Whitetail Trophy Properties. Jason offers property listings as well as land auctions in Iowa. As a sportsman himself Jason enjoys archery and muzzleloader hunting for whitetail deer. In college Jason studied Fish and Wildlife Biology and specializes in rural properties only including Iowa hunting land, recreational land, farms and rural building lots. Jason also manages over 260 acres of hunting land using QDM. As a member of the (QDMA) Quality Deer Management Association he has joined ranks with whitetail enthusiasts across the United States in controlling and growing a healthy whitetail population for all to enjoy. Jason is a member of the Iowa Auctioneers Association, National Auctioneers Association.