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Posted 9/6/2018 22:10 (#6974188)
Subject: Deer damage to soybeans?

Hazelton, Kansas

All,

I have a couple of observations and questions about deer damage to soybeans.

1. The plant in the picture below grows next to a deer "path" through the field. In spite of being seriously grazed, it is loaded with beans. I didn't count pods, but I suspect it has 50% more pods than the average ungrazed plant in the field. Of course, it benefits from an "edge effect," but I still find it remarkable that these few leaves can fill that many pods. I've seen this before, so I'm about to convince myself that deer grazing on bean foliage is a non-problem. Does this indicate a potential for yield improvement by breeding or growth regulators?

2. Deer bed down in this field in large numbers. We kicked over 30 of them off this half section last time we sprayed, and based on how tight they sat, I'll bet we sprayed over a few more. In the past, as the field matured and dropped leaves, they started eating the pods. We lost at least 15 acres last time we grew beans here, so unlike the foliage, this IS a problem. I have a well-used "bean field rifle," but would listen to any other ideas the NAT brain trust can offer.

Regards,

MDS

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Scottjoe

Posted 9/7/2018 06:47 (#6974480 - in reply to #6974188)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Southern kansas

Last time I had beans north of Harper I lost 1/8 of the fields to deer and probably will this year.
A friend south east of Anthony told me his lose is around 30 percent.
Maybe a patch of cheap Milo would cut down the lose of expensive beans.

ehoff

Posted 9/7/2018 07:06 (#6974507 - in reply to #6974480)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Central Missouri

When deer have gotten too thick in our area ehd or blue tongue have come through and done a very thorough herd thinning. Short of that it is target practice time.

Iron Archer

Posted 9/7/2018 07:32 (#6974553 - in reply to #6974507)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

South Eastern VA

If I were closer I would offer my hunting services. Lol

It’s hard to find hunters that respect the land owner and farmers wishes. It’s a love hate relationship because in my area people make good money allowing someone to hunt thier ground, but then the guys doing the hunting leave trash on the ground, leave gates open and drive through the field when they aren’t supposed to.

When I hunt deer it’s for meat so I’ll take out as many doe’s as possible...I’m not one of those guys that let ten does walk by because there is a buck following them.

You just gotta find someone that will thin the herd for you.

WIJDW

Posted 9/7/2018 08:52 (#6974728 - in reply to #6974553)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Is most the damage due to whitetails, or are the mulies doing most the damage?

crowbar

Posted 9/7/2018 09:11 (#6974770 - in reply to #6974728)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Hazelton, Kansas

JD,

Not sure you're asking me, but here, it's whitetails. Mule deer range starts about 20 miles West, in the red hills part of Barber county.

I've only seen one mule deer stray onto our land, and that was about 15 years ago.

Regards.

MDS

davpal

Posted 9/7/2018 11:20 (#6974960 - in reply to #6974553)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Mid Michigan

You could shoot ten deer on our property and a week later ten more would come through and say "this looks like a good place to live, I think we'll stay here"! I told dad the other day if deer were given enough time in a season they would eat every bean in a field. From the time they wake up to the time they bed down all they do is graze. On the other hand canadian geese are now costing us more than deer. A deer will browse a field. Geese eat the whole plant and it doesn't come back. You end up with entire acres in fields that are just weeds.

Hunter26

Posted 9/7/2018 13:11 (#6975144 - in reply to #6974960)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Low end pulsar thermal scope + rifle + time....I'm small time only about 100 ac of beans every year but I've had good luck the last two years night hunting...like mentioned previously ...you'll get the first batch and more will move in...just have to stick with it...

buschwacker

Posted 9/7/2018 20:34 (#6975765 - in reply to #6975144)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Central Illinois

Any chance a fellow agtalker could do some bow hunting in Kansas crowbar?

AGB

Posted 9/8/2018 19:04 (#6977404 - in reply to #6974188)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

Mid-Michigan

I get tired of the deer damage also. I didn't have a chance to see all the pods you have because they mowed them off at 3 inches. Had to replant about 10 acres. I do like deer hunting though.

Kneedeep 2011

Posted 9/9/2018 13:29 (#6978643 - in reply to #6974188)
Subject: RE: Deer damage to soybeans?

North Mississippi Delta / Alabama Gulf Coast

Deer Damage in MS Delta Soys