Less clear/browse cut use in the 2nd year?

[Andy]

High, we have a 2nd year clearcut of aspen, poplar, cherry, maple, and a few oaks that is not receiving very much browsing right now. We also have a few clearcuts made up of the same types of trees that are 1 years old and receiving lots of browsing attention. Have any of you experienced less winter browse on a 2nd year clearcut or browsecut? I wonder what that is related to? I will say we fertilized this clearcut with triple 19 after the first year and alot of it grew back up to almost 20 feet tall. maybe that's why....but there is still growth at 5 and less for the deer. no more fertilizing clearcuts for us, they grow back too quick
andy

[NorthJeff]

Does it have to do with available browse per acre? Deer are lazy (like me:) ) and if they can eat several times more browse in 1 spot compared to another, even though it still maybe very adquate at the spot with less, it would seem they would opt for the spot with more abundancy. Also, proximity to preferred sanctuary areas/bedding areas can have something to do with it as well...or proximity to recognized areas of higher hunting pressure.

Will be interesting to see if what you are seeing changes for next winter. I guess the good thing is that if you had too many deer...they would be hammering both areas so it's a testament to how your management efforts have been going.

[Swamp Ghost]

^^^^^ What he said! ;)