Alfalfa

[Jonathan_S]

At what point in the year does a bale of alfalfa do much to attract deer?  Should I wait until snow falls? Or does it bring deer around as soon as plants are drying out in September?

It seems that most pictures on here are when there is snow on the ground but I wanted to pose the question.

[BULLBLASTER]

I won't use falfa until November. Once it freezes good and other food sources are not as readily available.

[vandeman17]

I have wondered the same thing and I think it does best later in the year when food and browse becomes scarce. Right now, I don't think it is the lack of feed that draws in deer but they are looking for minerals and nutrients and thus why salt and other things like that work.   

[Southpole]

I start early September. It just adds an extra option along with the salt block and I do see more deer on the camera. I have my deer set up in NE WA, so it's not like the hay is going to get ruined by the rain if they don't want it yet. 

[Jonathan_S]

Cool, thanks, I think I'll put it out midway through early archery and just keep tabs on it for future reference.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

Last year I had deer start hitting it in mid-August (elk hit it year round)... however, there are many years where I haven't had the deer hit it until mid-september....certainly by the first week in Oct they are hitting it hard.

[huntnnw]

It depends on the area, if its void of Falfa it's kinda like a treat . I've had deer in July in the mts eat a bale a week!

[Southpole]

It depends on the area, if its void of Falfa it's kinda like a treat . I've had deer in July in the mts eat a bale a week!

True, my setup is at 3200 feet and a long ways from crop fields in the valley. The deer up there think it's great all year... spoiled buggers. 

[BULLBLASTER]

Good point. My spots are mostly all near or in farming areas so there is lots of.fresh falfa for.them

[Jonathan_S]

Well I'm at 3700 feet so it sounds like I'll be buying some.

[huntnnw]

If your on natl forest make sure you buy certified weed free

[Southpole]

Well I'm at 3700 feet so it sounds like I'll be buying some.

In my opinion it's never too early to start conditioning.

[Jonathan_S]

If your on natl forest make sure you buy certified weed free

Yeppers.  I've been seeing those silly signs for so long I better pay attention!

Is it going to be hard to find certified weed-free?  Where at in Spokane, Colville, Chewelah?

[Southpole]

If your on natl forest make sure you buy certified weed free

Yeppers.  I've been seeing those silly signs for so long I better pay attention!

Is it going to be hard to find certified weed-free?  Where at in Spokane, Colville, Chewelah?

Big R?

[Jonathan_S]

If you say so Southpole    I really have no idea as I've not put alfalfa on public land before so I've never payed enough attention to its certifiation.