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Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife #5784103 06/11/15 02:01 PM
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Matagorda Mud Pig Offline OP
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I have a contract on some land Eastern Matagorda county, 20 acres with two 1 acre ponds. One pond is deep, and the other is only about hip deep. There is a well in place for pumping water into the deep pond, which has a spillway pipe that flows into the marsh pond.

Now I want to develop a plan for making it a duck, dove, deer and pig heaven. Admittedly, I'm not in farm country, but there's a good teal and woodie population, with whistlers coming in as well. I've seen 3 doe on the property which is bordered by heavy timber, and has pig wallows. Seen several squirrels, and might even have a covey of quail or two.

It's currently just pastureland with pecan and oaks. Here are some pictures:

My fence line on the north is right at the woods.





The previous owners are leaving the deer feeders, and they seem to have attracted many deer & pigs because its all wallowed out below them



A picture of the well system in the winter.



The first pond.



So I'm hoping you guys can give me some ideas on what kind of supplemental planting/management I can do to attract the wild life. I'm going to consult our county biologist, and follow the guidelines given for achieving the wildlife exemption status, but wanted to see if you had additional ideas or could point me in the direction of good resources. Thanks in advance.




Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5784134 06/11/15 02:14 PM
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Think your best option is going to be feed feed and feed some more. Food plots are always good, but depends on what tools you have at your discretion. Im not sure what would be good to grow in your location.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5784136 06/11/15 02:15 PM
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No specific suggestions but good looking land. You have water which is important (and a good looking pond too!) Congratulations. I wish you many years of enjoyment.

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5784160 06/11/15 02:26 PM
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start planting hardwoods

post oaks, pecans, honeysuckle ...

give them a lot of cover around the pond

you're covered with trees by your neighbor to the north, just help
extend that tree line 10 acres into your side

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5784166 06/11/15 02:31 PM
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Congrats on the land!

I would contact the local TPWD biologist and/or NRCS for ideas and programs that would help you to enhance your property. Those folks should know all the local nuances with habitat and wildlife. Best of luck to you. up


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Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5784204 06/11/15 02:56 PM
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You're going to be surprised at how friggin' many deer there are out there. Unless it's totally overhunted, there will be a TON.

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: kry226] #5784328 06/11/15 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted By: kry226
Congrats on the land!

I would contact the local TPWD biologist and/or NRCS for ideas and programs that would help you to enhance your property. Those folks should know all the local nuances with habitat and wildlife. Best of luck to you. up

^^^This^^^ I would ask them specifically about food plots and enhancing cover because you have the water coverd. I would be careful about my placeement of dove fields because what's legal for doves could be considered baiting for ducks. I would place them as far away from the water as possible.


for every stereotype there's a prototype don't be the prototype
Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: cabosandinh] #5784361 06/11/15 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted By: cabosandinh
start planting hardwoods

post oaks, pecans, honeysuckle ...

give them a lot of cover around the pond

you're covered with trees by your neighbor to the north, just help
extend that tree line 10 acres into your side


Definitely going to do this. Thanks.




Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5784363 06/11/15 04:28 PM
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cheers Best wishes coolpics reminds me gotta go put batterirs in cam.... flag



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Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: nsmike] #5784367 06/11/15 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted By: nsmike
Originally Posted By: kry226
Congrats on the land!

I would contact the local TPWD biologist and/or NRCS for ideas and programs that would help you to enhance your property. Those folks should know all the local nuances with habitat and wildlife. Best of luck to you. up

^^^This^^^ I would ask them specifically about food plots and enhancing cover because you have the water coverd. I would be careful about my placeement of dove fields because what's legal for doves could be considered baiting for ducks. I would place them as far away from the water as possible.


yep, going to lean on them for advice.




Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: cameron00] #5784372 06/11/15 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted By: cameron00
You're going to be surprised at how friggin' many deer there are out there. Unless it's totally overhunted, there will be a TON.


oh be still my heart....I hope you are correct.




Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5784719 06/11/15 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted By: AndrewOSpencer
Originally Posted By: cameron00
You're going to be surprised at how friggin' many deer there are out there. Unless it's totally overhunted, there will be a TON.


oh be still my heart....I hope you are correct.


I'm not joking at all - I'm talking herds of deer and hogs. Area is listed by QDMA as being as densely populated as the hill country, depending on exactly where you are. Have a buddy with a place down there and he's completely covered up.

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: cameron00] #5784738 06/11/15 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted By: cameron00
Originally Posted By: AndrewOSpencer
Originally Posted By: cameron00
You're going to be surprised at how friggin' many deer there are out there. Unless it's totally overhunted, there will be a TON.


oh be still my heart....I hope you are correct.


I'm not joking at all - I'm talking herds of deer and hogs. Area is listed by QDMA as being as densely populated as the hill country, depending on exactly where you are. Have a buddy with a place down there and he's completely covered up.


I grew up around there and still have lots of friends and family around. I still have some cows in Western Brazoria county.

He is right about game. Not to sure on the quail part, not likely. But you should have a ton of deer, hogs, squirrels, and some coyotes, dove and rabbits with out doing anything much. You will attract a few fly over ducks, there is a lot of water in that area and the ducks spread out pretty good. Stand by for everyone to flame me, but antler restrictions have done wonders for deer quality and quantity in Brazoria and Matagorda counties.

I suggest you put a substantial feeder pen around at least one feeder, or you will be over run with hogs and they will push the deer out.

BRING LOTS OF MOSQUITO REPPELENT!

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5785015 06/11/15 10:41 PM
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You should let me evaluate yer deer herd this fall, I'll bring my evaluation stick.

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Chunky Dunk] #5785043 06/11/15 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted By: Chunky Dunk
Stand by for everyone to flame me, but antler restrictions have done wonders for deer quality and quantity in Brazoria and Matagorda counties.


why care about the flamers ?

AR was done for a reason,,,,,

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5785509 06/12/15 04:11 AM
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Congratulations of the new place!

Improving wildlife is a long term project and you will get a lot further with the help of your neighbors. Meet them and see if they are like minded. As mentioned above, seek advice from wildlife mgmt pros.


We all need to practice Whoa more.
Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5785520 06/12/15 04:45 AM
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Congratulations on the new place.


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Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5785523 06/12/15 04:52 AM
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Congrats on the new place and good luck up


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Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5785583 06/12/15 11:27 AM
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That is a sweet looking 20 acres Andrew. Nice mature trees, cover and water. All the key ingredients that most small parcels don't have. Well played and wish you lots of good memories there with your family. cheers


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Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5785594 06/12/15 11:41 AM
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sweet looking land. You aren't too far away from my hunting area. You are going to be surprised at what all shows up at 'ur land in this coastal area. Most important, when setting up the blind, is play the wind.


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Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5805204 06/25/15 03:38 PM
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Hey fellas, pulled my game cam yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. Three days isn't long, and there are no monsters but I'm happy.

























Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5805222 06/25/15 03:49 PM
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cheers Congrats!


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Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5805894 06/25/15 11:44 PM
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Lots of action.

Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5805930 06/26/15 12:14 AM
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Look at all that green. Rain has done it's job this season thus far.



Re: Got some Land! Now looking to improve it for wildlife [Re: Matagorda Mud Pig] #5805958 06/26/15 12:37 AM
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Things are looking good!

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