Best And Worst Screening For Deer Hunting
Рет қаралды 36,098
4 жыл бұрынScreening your access for deer hunting is critical to your success, but what is your best option? There are many deer screening fads out there such as Miscanthus Giganteus, as well as food based screening blends, so let the deer habitat planter beware. If the deer can eat it, it isn't an effective screen. If it takes thousands of dollars and back breaking labor, it may not be the best choice. Also, while some screening varieties take many years to grow while offering long term solutions (pines, spruce, miscanthus), there are some high quality short term solutions (various grasses and sorghums) that can be an exceptional fit for this year! From the worst screening plantings to the best, here are some screening options that flat out work, as well as others that can be a time and money waster.
For some of the best screening options, visit: www.northwoodswhitetails.com/
@studentoftheoutdoors3348 4 жыл бұрын
Always a good morning when there is a new WHS video!
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Well thank you...really appreciate it!
@jonathanyork1960 4 жыл бұрын
Planted switchgrass two years ago following your advice and have had great success. Thanks!
@dish797 4 жыл бұрын
Great info. Screens are extremely important. I'm always looking for ways to block a deer's sight line even inside my little woods. I wish I would have focused more on screens 15 years ago, lol.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Ha, well there is a lot you can get done this year! Short term plot screen and switchgrass, hinge cutting, etc. Thank you very much... really hope that it helps!
@courtofficermcilvaine7928 4 жыл бұрын
I love my Cave in Rock SG screen plantings with some of it being 5 years old this year but also love my MxG rows planted along my road frontage. I have planted only 2 rows 40 yards apart over 4 years with a sanctuary food plot in the middle and am very happy with the 11 foot height and thick screening they created.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
I really love pines and spruce in that situation, but definitely MG is the ticket if under a power line! Or if deer will eat the conifer.
@courtofficermcilvaine7928 4 жыл бұрын
I planted Norway Spruce in front of the MxG closer to the road but they are slow growing. Thanks Cris
@foodplotinnovations7086 4 жыл бұрын
Happy New year Jeff. Can I plant switchgrass in June? I would spray in April and May . Or do you have a blend that could set me up for Frost seeding. Bean plot is not a opinion because they fail to quickly. Thanks keep up the great videos.
@danlevecque5672 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Jeff, Awhile back I asked for your thoughts on screening my driveway with a 6 foot privacy fence. Well I put in a 80 foot length with another 100 feet of cave in rock switch grass. The switch grass only got about 3 feet high this year but it did come in well. The good news is the deer were not spooked by the fence they would browse the clover and chicory right up to it. It has done a great job of screening my driveway and gives me great cover to access my permanent tree stand overlooking the plot. It has been a lot of work but it is satisfying to see the positive effects on the wildlife on my land. Your videos have been a tremendous help in recognizing what I have done wrong and what I have done right. Thanks Dan Levecque (30 acres Big woods western Maine)
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
That's awesome Dan! Very cool feedback and I appreciate it. Real happy for your success too 👍 The switchgrass will explode next year...very thick. I have a real nice strip that will hit that height next year. Will add Simazine in the spring to get rid of some weeds tho. Love the CIR ☺️
@nicholascurto2093 4 жыл бұрын
Once again excellent info Jeff. Can you tell me how much sunlight switchgrass needs daily? Considering a transition zone between my food plots and hardwoods here in upstate New York. Will it work?
@kpbrawnygp45 4 жыл бұрын
Love your videos. What are your thoughts on using white pine instead of red pine as you describe in this video? Would there be a major difference?
@donaldbowling8620 4 жыл бұрын
Can’t wait to get working on the plots this year. With John Komps announcement today on branching out it’s going to make it even more affordable. 👍🏻👍🏻
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Enjoy Donald!! Yes, John has grown really we the last several years and I have enjoyed watching it happen! It really is helping to save his customers some great money on shipping ☺️ Great guy...
@suzmell1 4 жыл бұрын
Happy new year Jeff I think we definitely need to introduce switchgrass for screening especially by my boxblind but can’t plant to much cause plot is not that big been thinking bout cave& rock your thoughts
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Cabe in Rock is great...but needs full sun. Do you have full sun there Paul? Can't remember on that side. Happy New Year!
@robertfulton2224 4 жыл бұрын
Another great video hitting on exactly what I needed to hear. I have a power line along the full length of my 40. They the power company took it down to soil in clearing it. It’s about 50 feet by just under 1300. I am doing the full length in cave in rock switchgrass. Just wondering if you would do total width or just center. Also they also took out about 100 yds through pines would another option be better there. Thanks Jeff for all your great advice!
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Robert! I would just plant the entire width. All together you would only be at about 1.5 acres...not too expensive to plant and it will last for many years if you take care of it.
@randlerichardson5826 4 жыл бұрын
Great video brother as always. You be safe out there and GOD BLESS you and your family and crew brother Amen 🙏.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks brother ..hope that you have a blessed New Year!
@makeithappenhunting3086 4 жыл бұрын
Great Video Jeff, I’ve been using the sorghum Egyptian wheat for screening and it does great for the early part of season and when the season is peaking like you often mention, I don’t have a big area to screen only about 75-100 yards long given the situation and 10ft wide., but after a snow storm in November that screen falls down to about 3ft tall and that security cover isn’t what it was. Any suggestions? I have some Norway’s planted but until they’re taller and maturer I just have to wait a few years. I have another spot with a food plot that someone else planted years ago as a screen with Japanese silver grass it’s called I guess it’s also known as a maiden grass and it works great and I’ve incorporated it into my property plan and thought about planting more of that? Or would I be better off planting switch grass down the whole thing? Thanks
@maplebrew 4 жыл бұрын
Jeff any suggestions on planting switchgrass in open hardwoods. How large of an opening is suggested for a 11’ wide strip. Do the trees need feathered back on a 45 degree angle ie a 10’ foot tree is 10 feet from grass and a 20’ tree it 20’ away?
@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors 4 жыл бұрын
More great info Jeff, thank you
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much 😊
@mudslutmusic9052 4 жыл бұрын
Spud bar for seeding planting...genius!!!
@dswish1730 4 жыл бұрын
Great info as always Jeff.Sounds like a lot of poaching going on around the country. The game commission can't be bothered.Thry hire a guy to pick up road kills.Hes gone by my house a couple times with at least 30 deer piled in his truck.
@totalimpactoutdoors7543 4 жыл бұрын
Great video. Thanks for the information.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Thank YOU! Really appreciate it and you are welcome!
@zachmichel9157 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Jeff, The only way to access the property we hunt is a system of new logging roads. When the temps get below freezing these roads, which are normally very muddy and wet, form a thick layer of what I call permafrost which I'm sure is not the correct term. This makes an incredible amount of noise when crushed under foot, spooking deer for hundreds of yards. Do you have any suggestions for drying out these roads to create more silent stand access? Thanks.
@williambaker2441 4 жыл бұрын
What about green giant arborvitae they say is grows 3-5’ per year. I was needing a screen wall on front of property that’s about 150-200 yards to keep road hunters at bay and I have another spot that 130 yards to keep a neighbor from shooting across my food plots. I was thinking of these trees with SG to keep neighbor at bay and just the trees on the road frontage. I believe these things can grown over 30’ tall and around 15’ across. Any thoughts of these. I’m around Tennessee/Mississippi line
@suzmell1 4 жыл бұрын
Plus need to keep the cost relatively low cause will be adding 1 other plot by suzies spot so that being said the cheaper the better at this point maybe you can think of something that will do just as good regarding perimeter cover
@suzmell1 4 жыл бұрын
Also great news for me john komp will have distributor in the New York upstate area will be able to get whatever is needed from him at a affordable shipping charge CANT WAIT TO. GET STARTED
@proudpennsylvanian330 4 жыл бұрын
You recommend five feet between pine and spruce seedlings. How much space between each row would you suggest? Additionally, what widths of Egyptian wheat and switchgrass would you suggest planting? Thanks!
@randlerichardson5826 4 жыл бұрын
Hey brother yeah our season closes this coming Sunday. Don’t seem like it’s been that long since bow season opened.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
So true Randle...man it went by so fast. Too fast!
@tryhardcrusader2658 4 жыл бұрын
What rifle do you use the most? I use a 30 30 and it works great!
@donkey8781 4 жыл бұрын
Do you think daylight savings time effects what time deer come for the evening feeding? Yesterday was the last day of hunting in SW Michigan and the deer came in 10 minutes before dark like clockwork. I’ve been hunting the last standing cornfield in the county.
@Vcbatson 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video Jeff. Would switchgrass work in the southern states or is there another type of screening best suited for the warmer climates? Thank you and happy new year
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
There are some southern switchgrass varieties...for sure! Also, various native grasses work well, like bluestem, in more moderate locations. The short term options like Egyptian wheat work well, as well as some of the ornamental Sudan grasses. www.northwoodswhitetails.com has some really good screening options!
@northwoodswhitetailsfoodpl2663 4 жыл бұрын
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 our Food Plot Screen ( annual with out food in it) works great for a one year screen. Our Cave In Rock Switch grass is a great permanent screen that takes 2 to 3 years to get to full height. Our fist planting of switch is now 3 years old and got to 8 feet tall. Both are great options.
@nicschaalma3508 4 жыл бұрын
Good timing considering the latest and greatest product advertised from real *****. Thanks for saving me the money and the headache. I’ll stick to switchgrass.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Definately Nic...not trying to pimp anything magic for you-as in the latest magic bean or seed. Just what works based on scouting nearly 1000 whitetail parcels across the country. Really hope it helps you out!
@nicschaalma3508 4 жыл бұрын
Still needing to find the day your up in Appleton that works. So excited to meet you in person and have you design my properties.
@DABJR99 3 жыл бұрын
When establishing a switchgrass screen, I would like to use a annual screen. Which should I plant on which side, with full sun?
@nathanhager7082 4 жыл бұрын
What do you mean about agg field hard woods then neighbor woods that thicker then mine how do pull to my land ?
@mudslutmusic9052 4 жыл бұрын
It’s looking like a mild winter here in central Ohio, is it too early or too late for switchgrass planting?
@kevinrich9511 3 жыл бұрын
can you plant switch and northwoods white tail screen blend to get cover quick and let the switch get established?
@paullacerte1522 4 жыл бұрын
Thank You Jeff
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
You are welcome Paul...have a great weekend!
@fueledtohunt2173 Жыл бұрын
Are you planting bare root Norway or plugs or what size of tree you plant? I'm having issues getting my norways to survive and they are losing lower limbs
@rfb7117 4 жыл бұрын
Jeff.....always great comments. We are very happy with our switch grass plantings that you suggested. One question...you mentioned red pine and spruce for a possible road screening, is the reason you did not suggest white pine is that the deer would eat the seedlings? thanks, Bob
@nicholascurto2093 4 жыл бұрын
White pine is a preferred winter food in upstate New York. I planted buffer areas 8 years ago with hundreds of 2 yr old 2 ft trees. They cleared them all out to the bark and ate the tops in one Winter!! They don't seem to prefer red pine in my area so that's what I'm using now with much success here. Grows just as thick in 3-2 rows and i top em every couple of years to keep em thick. Best of luck!
@rfb7117 4 жыл бұрын
Nick, thanks for the comments. I don't think we have the deer density you do, and we can get away with some white... if they are not in a travel area. As you said they do not prefer the red. We will also use the spruce, although they are slower growers.
@andrewoutdoors4442 4 жыл бұрын
Love the videos
@paullacerte1522 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Jeff, Happy New Year What's the name of the seed company you use and switch grass ? Can switch grass be used in shaded areas ?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Happy New Year Paul! I use Cave In Rock...and the seed company I use is www.northwoodswhitetails.com Switch and plot screen needs full sun tho. Hinging or cutting the timber on that border is perfect, if you can.
@brentsims8885 4 жыл бұрын
Jeff another helpful video. Do you use the red Earthway Bag Seeder to frost seed your switchgrass or is that dump too much seed?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Brent! I use that Earthway 2750 tondo all of my seeding...very easy to spread that switch. Works well! I believe about a 1.5 to 1.75 setting...
@brentsims8885 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jeff! I will try those settings.
@bwana3006 4 жыл бұрын
Will switchgrass grow in sandy clay in texas
@Grizzlife 4 жыл бұрын
I'm glad I watched this. Gigantus Miscanthus was in my radar. I dont think so now. I take your advice seriously. Pine and switch grass with Egyptian wheat will be my choice. Thanks
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
That sounds perfect Grizz...enjoy it man, just trying to help out folks! Will be very solid 👌
@reesmccullough8773 4 жыл бұрын
What type of switch grass do you use?
@jasoneastwood4777 4 жыл бұрын
Where do you get your switchgrass seed for under $60 for 8lbs? I'm seeing it average $10-$14/lb of seed...
@davidw7709 4 жыл бұрын
Jeff what are your thoughts on goldenrod as a screen? 2020 will be my first year with permission to plant on our hunting property in NE Pa. There is a 4 acre goldenrod field on the 25-30 acre property. My thought is to cut a few smaller plots and some connection rows between them. The field has been cut flat in the past and the deer avoid or quickly pass through. Thank you for the videos and the information you provide.
@dswish1730 4 жыл бұрын
Had the same problem at my place in Pa.I mowed paths 15 to 20 yards from my stands.Shot my best bow buck on the 23rd of October as he walked down the path I mowed..
@davidw7709 4 жыл бұрын
Swish thanks for the reply. I'm hoping the goldenrod will do the trick. At least for the first year or two to keep the costs down a little. Then I will adjust from there.
@sean6896 4 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, thanks. Switchgrass isn’t native to the PNW. Is there an alternative that you would recommend for use in WA?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
The cool thing is that it doesn't spread...extremely safe to plant if it fits for the conditions. I can't...other than Spruce or another conifer. Not as far as grasses go, tho
@sean6896 4 жыл бұрын
Whitetail Habitat Solutions - Thank you
@suzmell1 4 жыл бұрын
Ty so much for guiding me your the best
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome! My pleasure...
@suzmell1 4 жыл бұрын
No that’s why I’m thinking switchgrass by boxblind near cemetery nothing to crazy maybe 10 FT by 40 ft long perimeter what do you think looking for instant gratification not something that takes 4 or 5 yrs to develop
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Switch would be perfect and you can seed all winter long. You then will follow my chemical ingredient process ☺️ Easy to do and I will guide you buddy!
@sambilhorn9282 4 жыл бұрын
Happy New Year Jeff! Do you still supplement with annual products like egyptian wheat or just go for the switchgrass? I'm thinking about adding some annual plot screen around the food plots while I wait on the switch to catch up. Thanks!
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Sam! I definitely use the plot screening from Northwoods Whitetails until the switch comes up. Works exceptionally well, and then I convert the plot screen back to food plot...with switch established on the outside. Happy New Year! Hope you guys had some good bucks make it thru the season!
@sambilhorn9282 4 жыл бұрын
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Survival rate was decent. Plenty of restraint and patience this year to let them walk. It has been awesome watching the deer interact with the habitat improvements... excited for the 'off' season so we can get back at it!
@tjsfarmandfamily 4 жыл бұрын
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Can I plant the Egyptian Wheat in the same place of the switchgrass the first year or will it shade it out? I need a temporary screen for next year until the switchgrass comes up. My switchgrass only came up a couple inches in the best places last year so I don't know if I should replant it or let it go.
@sambilhorn9282 4 жыл бұрын
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Plot screen from Northwoods Whitetails... When do you typically seed it for maximum benefit? Other tips...disc in, pack, etc? Thanks!
@sambilhorn9282 4 жыл бұрын
@@tjsfarmandfamily My experience is SG is very intolerant of shade, easily choaked out.
@joedurushia4008 3 жыл бұрын
We’re in sand, should we fertilize switchgrass?
@wolfpack4128 4 жыл бұрын
I have a big field on a South facing slope. It will work great for food plots but every spotlighter and poacher will be able to look right into it. I've been looking at what pines will work to screen the area. These tips should help.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
That is good to hear! I really like the combo of short term switchgrass and plot screen, pines and then spruce for long term.
@mdotson9496 4 жыл бұрын
Where do you get your Cave N Rock seed. I can't find it in my local area. Do you order all your seed online?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
I get mine at www.northwoodswhitetails.com the link is in the description of the video too. John Komp is the owner...you can call him directly too!
@unlimitedtransportationllc3731 4 жыл бұрын
Hello Jeff, thank you for your videos! I have a hay field right now that I want to plant food plot and switch grass around it. Can I plant switch grass this year, then spray in may to kill hay ?
@johnnyballgame7339 4 жыл бұрын
On planting the conifers for a 2-year screen, do you start with bare root seedlings or with something a little older and bigger?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
For me personally, unlike the bare root seedlings a lot...but a healthy transplant is ok. Just need more water! Crazy but at year 6-7 you typically can't tell the difference. Weed control and moisture that first year...and they really take off once above the weeds.
@johnnyballgame7339 4 жыл бұрын
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thanks...I've had mixed results with the bare root trees and as a result I planted a lot of 2'-3' potted trees. But this gets expensive so I'd like to go back to bare root where I can just pop them in with a bar and be done. Also the bare root trees cost around $1.25, so when planting hundreds they save a lot of time and money. Gonna give the bare root a try again this Spring and pray for rain.
@beholdcaesar 4 жыл бұрын
is bamboo not a good option? there are many varieties of both running and clumping varieties.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Likely excellent in more southerly areas...if non invasive. I have zero experience with it tho...
@davidhickenbottom6574 4 жыл бұрын
I'm thinning white pines and making screening at the same time. Zero cost in my case just my time.
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Sounds nice...as long as you can't see thru the screening more than 5-10'...it's screening 😉 Hope the work helps you out David!
@revskull 4 жыл бұрын
Still have 2 months of hunting here in Arkansas
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Nice! We have a month here in my portion of WI...
@mikehenthorn976 4 жыл бұрын
What about Egyptian Wheat?
@myronlaidler8034 4 жыл бұрын
Wishing i had this advise back in the 2001-2006 era for80 ac.in Ionia co. mich farm owned by a good friend! Many times the farmer that leased crop fields there planted a Green Manure crop after harvest in the fall,Deer relished the stuff and a LOT of poaching took place from the 1/2 mile roadside along the south boundrey. Switch Grass and Red Pines would have stopped much of that!!! Bold poachers that drove in after a kill and even gutted it in the driveway out of sight next to the cabin!!
@logandredske 4 жыл бұрын
How does switch grass fair for bedding?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
It is a great base cover product. Let's say you have a 10 acre field. Plant the surrounding border and pockets within the 10 acres, to the tune of about 40-60%. Then allow broadleaf weeds, shrubs and early successional growth (but non grass) to grow within. You then have the perfect mix. Deer do not like to bed within the switch, but instead on the edge. They have to have browse within their bedding, which is supplied by the broadleaf, non grass early successional growth.
@aarongoeppner413 4 жыл бұрын
Where do you buy your switch grass seed?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Aaron! I get my seed from John Komp and www.northwoodswhitetails.com been getting my seed from John for about 8 years...GREAT guy. Give him a call!
@suzmell1 4 жыл бұрын
Come to think of it I do have substantial amount of sun there forgive me little under the weather
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
All ok?
@smoothy66 4 жыл бұрын
The images you show don't look like Miscanthus Giganteus to me, it looks more like Hardy Pampas Grass, Ravenna Grass, Erianthus Ravennae. I don't argue your point that switchgrass can be a better cheaper option, but they each have their place. Also, it is possible to take a few rhizomes of Miscanthus Giganteus grow them out and divide it into a hundreds of viable rhizomes and plant them very easily with one pass of herbicide and use a three point tree planter behind a tractor to plant several thousand rhizomes in a day if conditions allow. Just something else to consider, and a cheaper way to do it. In my experience CIR doesn't do very well on moist soil.
@gregcavender7798 4 жыл бұрын
Your right that is definitely not Miscanthus Giganteus (MG) . I planted MG along the road on my property and no worry of jacked up trucks seeing over it like with switchgrass. Keeps deer from being shot illegally by road hunters and feeling pressured. I do have patches of switchgrass in the interior also. I planted my MG rhizomes with a tree planter also. Did 4,000 in one day and like you said once you have them established you have an unlimited future supply of rhizomes. I've slowly planted 10 foot in from my fence line with MG to have a screened path around most the perimeter of my property which gives great access while keeping the neighbors from seeing in and leaving the deer feeling secure and still allowing enough room to brush hog the exterior paths. MG is definitely a great tool that shouldn't be overlooked.
@mike81399 4 жыл бұрын
👍
@northernoutdooradventures3883 4 жыл бұрын
Why red pine over white?
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Red pine grows faster than white when young, deer prefer it a lot less, the branches are Fuller than white in the first 9-10 years and red are more drought tolerant. When you combine with 2 rows of spruce the red pine provide very effective screening by the 4th or 5th year...double rows, staggered plantings. When the red begin to self-prune their lower branches by year 10-12, the spruce have then already taken over as your screening through a couple of hundred hundred years. When you add a line of plot screen, then switch, then red pine and finally spruce...you have years 1-200 fully covered. I hope that makes sense!
@northernoutdooradventures3883 4 жыл бұрын
@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 thanks! I still might plant white pine this spring though. I know it sounds silly but I just don't like the aesthetic of red pine. The couple of white pine that have naturally seaded grew about 5 ft tall in the 6 years that I have owned the property. Since white pine don't self prune nearly as much do you think I can skip the rows of spruce or would I still need them?
@suzmell1 4 жыл бұрын
40 or 50 yards long not 40 feet sorry
@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 4 жыл бұрын
Will be perfect in that spot!
Pretty Balloon Family
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