|
 |
Mike Dyer, DVM –
Ohio
We started using
Whitetail Institute products in 1999 and my first experience was with a
plot of Imperial Whitetail Clover. The deer ate it so fast I had to
rethink the size and number of my food plots. I learned the concept of
two types of plots, some for bulk nutrition and other smaller plots to
attract and funnel deer for hunting opportunities. We planted a variety
of No-Plow, Whitetail Clover, Alfa-Rack and Extreme. We built a shooting
box which allows the kids to move because they have to move, but also
shields sounds and scent. Plenty of snacks, hand and feet warmers, grunt
tubes, binoculars, bleat cans, rattling antlers and hand held video
games have all been a part of the hunt. My motto is, “Keep them warm,
dry, fed and busy.” On the rare occasion that we don’t see deer and the
kids get bored, we quit. We never force a kid to sit miserably in a
stand for a sport that is supposed to be fun. Forcing them to sit is the
best way to get a kid to grow up hating hunting. When it stops being
fun, we stop doing it. This past Ohio youth hunt is one of our many
success stories. Not only did all 5 kids get deer, the one 8 pointer was
Bradley Endicott’s first deer ever and what a trophy. I heard yahoos and
screams of jubilation from Brad and his dad from a ½ mile away. Thanks
to Whitetail Institute and quality deer management we have seen an
increase in buck numbers, rack size and hunting opportunities for our
youngsters. Thanks for allowing me to share our story. |
