There is a limited amount of credible information and data available to landowners, farmers and property managers in Kentucky that addresses wildlife habitat management and specifically food plots.  Many clientele seek information from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to improve their woodlands and wildlife habitat.  Increased information in these areas will result in an overall improvement in deer herd health and overall satisfaction of the hunters.  Therefore, the habitat will be better suited to produce trophy whitetails, increase hunter success and provide positive economic impacts throughout the state.  

Landowners, farmers and property managers often seek ways to maximize revenue from their properties.  Improved habitat management strategies allow these individuals to increase land lease values for hunting.  Local economies in rural communities throughout the state benefit from increased lease values, appeal to non-resident hunters and the associated tourism dollars generated from these non-resident hunters.

In response to this need, Extension Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources Education from Simpson and Allen Counties partnered with Dr. Matt Springer, University of Kentucky Wildlife Specialist to conduct food plot research to assist wildlife managers in making appropriate planting and overall management decisions on their property.  This research involved 6 different annual forages, trail camera surveillance, exclusion cages to monitor grazing pressure and forage nutrient sampling.  

Once the surveillance period concluded, data was compiled and presented at the “Kentucky Deer School”.  In addition to the forage research data, agents worked with University of Kentucky Specialists to offer hands-on training about white-tailed deer.  Dr. Matt Springer presented an interactive session on aging and scoring white-tailed deer.   Dr. Gregg Rentfrow also presented a live processing demonstration with a deer carcass.  

Fifteen people from 4 counties attended the Kentucky Deer School.  According to post-meeting evaluations, 100% of respondents increased their knowledge due to this program.  100% reported that they plan to implement this newly acquired knowledge when processing, aging and scoring deer, or planting food plots.  100% also indicated that they would attend another wildlife program in the future.  One participant commented, “Great program!  I learned a lot.”