Fruit trees for hunting

[Wingshooter]

I didn't get around to putting any decent food plots out last year, and most of the land I hunt is heavily wooded anyway. This year I started thinking about a different approach to "food plots". What I'm considering is planting some apple and/or pear trees near each stand. I know how deer react to apple trees, but what about pears? I hear they are easier to grow and more drought / insect tolerant. Also, if I plant some bigger trees by spring, is there any chance they will be producing at all this year? I stink at growing stuff

Fruit trees near the stand... Good / bad idea?? Edited January 27, 2015 by Wingshooter

[DaveS]

I had a pear tree growing on the edge of a field on my lease, and the deer had a path worn into the ground around that tree. They absolutely loved pears! I've seen the deer stand on their hind legs and pull a pear down. Check your pear species and find which one's are drought resistant. Also, some may need a pollinator.

 

Dave

[john455]

well I put a 5 foot tall pear tree out 3 years ago and it is about 15/20 feet tall now and I got 6 pears off of it last year I hoping it puts out good this year. BTW it's a bosco pear tree.

Edited January 27, 2015 by john455

[Wingshooter]

I had a pear tree growing on the edge of a field on my lease, and the deer had a path worn into the ground around that tree. They absolutely loved pears! I've seen the deer stand on their hind legs and pull a pear down. Check your pear species and find which one's are drought resistant. Also, some may need a pollinator.
 
Dave

Good to know. I'll definitely have to plant some pears. I still need to do research on which variety. Did you notice if they caused any damage to the tree?

[bersaguy]

I don't know if you could be considered hunting over baited area if you plant something that would most likely not grow naturally in that area. What my son did was plant Persimmon trees cause deer love them and they grow wild in most areas. He has had really good luck with them and they are a very durable and hearty tree that grows and produces fairly fast..............jmho

[john455]

Good to know. I'll definitely have to plant some pears. I still need to do research on which variety. Did you notice if they caused any damage to the tree?

no they didn't damage the tree any, Bosco pear trees have nice thorns so they wait for the pears to drop off :pleased:  :pleased:  :pleased:

[Omega]

My land had a TVA powerline going through it so trees are a premium, I planted quite a few but many just didn't take for one reason or another.  Here are a few things I learned:

 

• Select a good site, enough sun/shade and drainage depending on tree
• Test your soil and check what the tree requires before planting like PH and nutrients etc.
• Buy your trees from someone that grows them here in TN, I use a guy out in Joelton, good prices and all home grown.
• Buy enough trees, some need pollinators others will self pollinate.
• Plant in early winter, while tree is dormant.
• Use mulch around the base to hold moisture but don't cover the bark.
• Put a cage around the tree until tall enough, deer ate all the leaves off my apple trees.
• Stake the tree down, they need a bit of support until they take root, you can use the cage if cage is well supported.
• Fertilize when advised, test soil yearly to make sure it still has what the tree needs.
• Use those watering bags that water for an extended period of time until tree matures and takes root.

Like I said, some of mine did not make it due to failure of me to follow these steps.  And since I don't get to my land all the time, it took a year before I found out the tree did not make it.  I had a nice 10'-15' apple tree already there, but the power company, (not TVA) cut it down when they ran a new line along the road.  They replaced it with a new one but that one is not looking good.  An other think you may look into are Black and Blue Berry bushes, I planted those as well and some are doing good. 

[Omega]

I don't know if you could be considered hunting over baited area if you plant something that would most likely not grow naturally in that area. What my son did was plant Persimmon trees cause deer love them and they grow wild in most areas. He has had really good luck with them and they are a very durable and hearty tree that grows and produces fairly fast..............jmho

No, planting anything does not constitute hunting over bait.  Its only when you pile corn, apples  or other food in order to bring wildlife in.  If you harvest corn, soybean, wheat etc. and during that process some gets left behind, that is also not considered baiting since it was due to the harvest process.  So if you hunt a farm, find out if the farmer is going to harvest his crop during hunting season and take advantage of it.  It goes quick though, so be sure to be there on the day of.

[DaveS]

Good to know. I'll definitely have to plant some pears. I still need to do research on which variety. Did you notice if they caused any damage to the tree?

Other than breaking a few lower limbs, they did not damage the tree that I noticed.

 

Dave

[EastHipster]

They love persimmon but where I hunt, they just eat them at night

[john455]

They love persimmon but where I hunt, they just eat them at night

opossums love them to that might be the night eaters

[Wingshooter]

My land had a TVA powerline going through it so trees are a premium, I planted quite a few but many just didn't take for one reason or another.  Here are a few things I learned:
 

• Select a good site, enough sun/shade and drainage depending on tree
• Test your soil and check what the tree requires before planting like PH and nutrients etc.
• Buy your trees from someone that grows them here in TN, I use a guy out in Joelton, good prices and all home grown.
• Buy enough trees, some need pollinators others will self pollinate.
• Plant in early winter, while tree is dormant.
• Use mulch around the base to hold moisture but don't cover the bark.
• Put a cage around the tree until tall enough, deer ate all the leaves off my apple trees.
• Stake the tree down, they need a bit of support until they take root, you can use the cage if cage is well supported.
• Fertilize when advised, test soil yearly to make sure it still has what the tree needs.
• Use those watering bags that water for an extended period of time until tree matures and takes root.

Like I said, some of mine did not make it due to failure of me to follow these steps.  And since I don't get to my land all the time, it took a year before I found out the tree did not make it.  I had a nice 10'-15' apple tree already there, but the power company, (not TVA) cut it down when they ran a new line along the road.  They replaced it with a new one but that one is not looking good.  An other think you may look into are Black and Blue Berry bushes, I planted those as well and some are doing good.

Good tips. Berry bushes are also a good idea. Hopefully I can get some trees in the ground soon