Electric Fence

I'm debating whether to install an electric fence around the new trees we planted this year to keep deer at bay. About the time to do it if it is going to get done.

Other Photos

Here is what it looks like in the timber from 4 years ago. We bulldozed out old downed trees for doing some tree planting. Unfortunately the trees have not survived, but we plan on doing more tree planting this fall or next spring on this 3 acre patch.

Here is a Shellbark Hickory Tree that dad and I planted from seed several years ago along the 3 acre field we used to farm.

                                         Many deer tracks along the Bull Pond.

                              Shellbark Hickory Trees Dad & I planted.

End of August

Now the effects of the spraying can be seen. Of course it is dryer now. Not much rain in the last 2 weeks. The grass is finally slowing up.

The Bull Pond in the timber is the lowest it has been in 3 years. Finally the Iowa River is down about 6' inside it's bank.

                                             The Deer Cam and one photo from it.

Spraying

We have done some spraying to combat the weeds and grass since the wet year has been good for growing trees, but it has been great for grass also.

Here you can see an oak tree tucked in the grass. Spraying should be a big help here.

Just did some spraying here today and it should be a big help.

Black Locust Tree Battle

We have been battling Black Locust Trees for many years. We have used prairie burning several years also but that doesn't faze them much either. Todon doesn't seem to faze them at all. We recently cut and mowed them off again and used Tordon again. Today I noticed over 1,000 coming up from the roots. I spoke today with the ISU Agronomy Department. It sounds like Transline is the foliage spray to use. And Garland spray on stumps. Tordon is no good, I figured as much now, but the forestry department and no else had been any help on this matter till now. The Black Locust is a legume and the do sprout voraciously from the roots. Also they are spred by seed. He recommended waiting until there is more leaf growth and use Transline to get the chemical to the roots. It all originally started with 2 larger trees along the lane.

Hunting - Hiking - Bird Watching - Photography

    

     There is 160 Acres of Land in Prairie with food plots for lease. 3 Creeks traverse the Upland Rolling Prairie and trees line the creeks. Pheasant, Deer, Rabbit and Coyote, Ground Hog, and Crow Hunting. Muskrat, Opposum, Raccoon and Skunk Trapping at the creeks, or ponds is available. There are about 5 acres of Food plots of Corn and Beans are on the property. Maximum of 3 hunters and 2 dogs permitted for Pheasants. 2 days per week hunting allowed. Lease by day or by Month. $100./day/Person. Monthly rate - $700./Person. Seasonal Rate $3,500. Opening Day Pheasant rate - $150./Person.

     There is 15 Acres and 4 Acres in the heart of the Amanas on the Iowa River Timber Bottomland. 1 Pond on the land. Deer, Rabbit, Coyote, Crow, and Duck Hunting. We have begun reforestation of the land about 5 years ago. This year we planted aboaut 2 acres of tree seedlings. 


     Maximum of 2 Hunters. Deer ,or Turkey Hunting $100./day.
Hiking, Bird Viewing, Photography, Wildflower viewing, Prairie appreciation and 3 Pond at locations. 15 Wood Duck houses are along the creeks and ponds with some occupied by Owls. 50 Blue bird houses occupied by Blue Birds, Wrens, and Tree Swallows. There are a couple of Kestrel houses also.


     The BarSan Prairie and Red Tail Sand Prairie were started to be reestablished in 1980 and is an ongoing event. Big Bluestem, Small Blue Stem, Indian Grass, Various Wildflower species. In the fall trails are mowed with about 5 miles of hiking trails with 2 Creek crossings. Beautiful scenery. $35./day.

     Enjoy our 160 acres of Native and Restored Prairie and Wild flowers as much as we do. We have planted 5 Acres of new trees this spring. We have Iowater testing at the 3 Creeks. We do Prairie burning in the spring.



     You would need to show Proof of Insurance and sign a waiver with references. Property is to be left in good condition with No garbage left on the property.

Seasons are Listed at the Iowa DNR site listed below:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/law/files/huntingregs.pdf

Tree Planting and Food Plots

     We planted about 5 acres of corn and soybean food plots this year. The heavy rains haven't been kind to one of the corn food plots though. One of the  corn plots looks tough because the fertilizer didn't get to do its job.

      Also the deer have gotten ahead of them selves. They are supposed to wait till winter time. Must not have gotten the memo. They have eaten the tops off of 1 acre of corn. There are ears present, but the tassles are gone. The Pheasants aren't going to be happy campers.

Here is our commercial tree planter starting to plant 3,800 trees. Swamp White Oak, Burr Oak, Black Walnut, Pecan, Shellbark Hickory, Wild Plum, Hazelnut, Eastern Red Cedar, and Redosier Dogwood. About 3,000 trees planted here at the prairie site and 800 trees planted at the timber reforestation site.

Here are a couple of trees showing fire damage from the fire of 2003.

A wren has taken over one of the blue bird boxes at the timber. There is a wren in the other box also.

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