I had to fell some Siberian Elms on our farm that were taking over some of the open spaces. I knocked down a bunch of trees that were 6"-14" in diameter and 20'-40' tall. They still had a few leaves on them, and were pretty "brushy" in their forms. Consequently, when felled, they made nice, irregular "thickets" that were about 5-6' high, and the deer would be able to peer through.
I felled them just before the big rains, and only got back out to the farm yesterday since it had been so soggy.
It turns out that the deer absolutely loved their new cover! The hidden areas between the felled trees are absolutely covered with deer tracks. They have also made two big scrapes on the ground adjacent to the crowns of two of the felled trees. They even have an obvious licking branch in each of those crowns.
I wish I could make cover that immediately popular in my ponds for the fish - now that the water levels are going back up.
Rod, Kudos to you to starting another excellent thread (IMHO)
I find a very common bond between deer and fish habitat. I've been a deer hunter for years and have seen the same results on my farm.
I'm trying to add habitat in my pond while the water is low so very interested in the experts opinions.
I've added BG beds with pea gravel and am attempting to create some artificial dense cover to add beside them to provide habitat for the newly hatched fry. Using artificial habitat has proved to be more challenging than expected.
I'm thinking of using the concept you posted that worked for deer in my pond by thinning out some small/medium trees on my farm. Then using the small/medium branches bundled together beside the BG beds. I would think this would accomplish the goal of making it immediately popular for the new fry this spring and provide the cover they need to grow to be a significant forage source for LMB.
I want to get the most benefit out of my work so thinking hardwoods would be the best. What do you and the experts think? Construction ideas would be appreciated.
No intention of hijacking your deer cover thread for fish info, but you have my wheels spinning
